Introducing Lights Out Connecticut
The Connecticut Ornithological Association has launched the Lights Out Connecticut program. We will work with conservation and birding organizations on the state and local levels to advocate for the state and municipalities to adopt bird friendly lighting policies during migration. Such initiatives have been sponsored by National Audubon Chapters across the country Lights Out (audubon.org)
Connecticut location is critical for the east coast bird migration as most of the birds from Eastern Canada and the New England mover through during the fall and spring migrations. As the birds migrate over our cities and towns the bright light causes disorientation and results in birds flying into windows on our buildings. This bird carnage can be greatly reduced by towns and the state instituting the Lights Out guidelines.
Already there have been some efforts made as the Yale Divinity School has declared its campus to be Lights Out Campus. Advocates in the Town of Hamden are discussing lighting options that will greatly reduce the Town’s energy coast and protect wildlife, and H.B. 5289 which would require all state buildings to follow lights out guidelines during migration 2022HB-05289-R00-HB.PDF (ct.gov).
The COA will launch efforts to educate the public about the issue, help provide draft legislation that could be introduced at the state and municipal levels and be a place to exchange ideas. We will also focus on outreach to business owners who can take steps to create public-private partnerships, especially with local businesses. And to build support in local governments, to show that we're building a broad coalition to get this accomplished.
We will have a kickoff event in the next month before the spring migration is in full swing. Please let me know if you are interested in participating and your general availability. Please forward this email to anyone who could support this important initiative.
Sincerely Yours
Meredith Barges
Craig Repasz
COA Lights Out Connecticut
Co-Chairs
