OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee County has a natural resource many take for granted, Dowling Watford told Okeechobee County Commissioners at their April 13 meeting: “Our ability to see the stars.”

Watford, who participates in the annual Battle of Okeechobee Re-enactment, said this was brought to his attention by re-enactors who come from all over Florida. “You would be amazed at how many of them, when we are camping at Battlefield State Park, they look up and are amazed they can see the stars.

“Because of development, some day we will lose that,” Watford warned.

Kissimmee Praire State Park is a 'dark skies' park

Kissimmee Prairie State Park is dark skies park and thousands of visitors travel there each year to view the skies, Watford continued. “Light is encroaching on that dark skies park. We need to take action, or we will lose it.”

Watford said controlling light pollution also saves money. “Utility costs are less when you aren’t over-lighting something,” he explained. “Almost 50% of outdoor light is wasted because the light is pointed up.”

More efficient use of light also increases security, he said. “Light pointed down protects your property more.”

He said some people might argue they can do whatever they want to on their own property. He added that light leaving their property impacts others. “Just think if your neighbor had a spotlight shining into your bedroom, that affects your property.”

A dark skies ordinance does not prohibit lights, Watford said. “It defines the type of light you can use and the direction of the light.

“Glades Electric has already gone to the approved lighting for many street lights,” he said.

Watford said the lighting ordinance could be enforced through building permits.

Light pollution is an environmental concern, said Dr. Paul Gray of Audubon Florida. Nocturnal animals can be harmed by light pollution.

For example, owls have large eyes and can maneuver well in the dark, which makes it possible for them to hunt at night. “If you light up that area, the mouse can see the owl coming.”

Nocturnal animals need darkness, he said. “For the prairie, we want to burn it, we want to keep the hydrology right and we also need to keep it as dark as we can,” said Gray.

He said the goal is to light up the human environment but try to keep the rest of the environment in the dark.

Steve Smith, who manages sky quality meters at Kissimmee Prairie State Park, asked the county to act soon. “Unfortunately, the meter is showing if we don’t do something about the light conditions, it’s going to deteriorate. If we continue on this path, it won’t be long before we lose this natural resource.

“This is one of the last places east of the Mississippi where you have skies this dark,” he said,

Commissioner Kelly Owens said she is in favor of protecting the dark skies. “An ordinance will help protect it as future development comes in,” she said. “The dark sky ordinance does not mean there are not streetlights or lighting. It advises what kind of lighting will be most appropriate to protect the dark skies.”

Commission Chairman David Hazellief said the lights Glades Electric put on the Peavine Trail were required to have the downward angle to prevent light pollution to the park.

“I see no negative,” said Commissioner Brad Goodbread. “We’re talking about cutting out the waste of light going up, basically just cutting out waste.”

I have relatives from the south and the north. When they come here, that is something they comment on,” said Commissioner Frank DeCarlo.

The commissioners agreed unanimously to ask staff to draft a county-wide dark skies ordinance.