Saturday, August 30, 2025

Deschutes County Considers Dark Sky Certification as Part of Lighting Regulation Updates

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In a recent meeting, Deschutes County officials, led by Community Development Director Peter Gutowski, discussed the potential implementation of a dark skies certification program aimed at enhancing community engagement and environmental awareness. Gutowski highlighted the need to modernize the county’s lighting ordinance, noting that most complaints are resolved through education rather than enforcement. He pointed out that while Teton County has successfully adopted a dark skies program, Deschutes County’s larger population and geographical challenges would require additional resources and staff for effective implementation. The Board of Commissioners expressed interest in pursuing the certification, recognizing its benefits for residents and wildlife, but acknowledged the logistical hurdles that lie ahead. Community input will be crucial as discussions continue on shaping the county’s lighting regulations and environmental stewardship efforts. For more details, refer to the full video of the meeting.

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