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A Resolution proclaiming Lights Out Nights urging residents and businesses to turn out non-essential lights at night during critical migratory periods in spring and fall for birds in Nashville.
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WHEREAS, every spring and fall, millions of migratory birds travel through and stopover in Nashville; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize this massive migration of birds occurs at night; and
WHEREAS, these birds must contend with a rapidly increasing but still under-recognized threat: light pollution. Light attracts and disorients these migrating birds, confusing them and making them vulnerable to collisions with buildings and other urban threats; and
WHEREAS, Nashville is ranked #17 in light exposure out of 125 cities during fall migration according to a 2019 research article entitled “Bright lights in the big cities: migratory bird’s exposure to artificial light” by K.G. Horton, C. Nilsson, B.M. Van Doren, F.A. La Sorte, A.M. Dokter, and A. Farnsworth; and
WHEREAS, the extensive and intense light pollution from Nashville, creates a particularly hazardous environment for migratory birds; and
WHEREAS, birds are an important part of the natural ecosystem that we depend on, as well as essential pollinators and seed dispersers. Birds impact our well-being and contribute to the local economy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Nashville is a community that cares about protecting wildlife and the environment; and
WHEREAS, Nashville is joining 44 other US cities with Lights Out programs, as well as international Lights Out efforts, by implementing a simple solution to protect birds: turning off non-essential lighting during critical migration periods. Turning off non-essential lights dramatically reduces hazards to migrating birds, allowing them to safely proceed with their journeys; and
WHEREAS, with each passing season, light pollution continues to increase as Nashville continues to grow, and more and more birds are at risk; and
WHEREAS, Lights Out Nashville is an initiative that aims to raise awareness of this issue in order to provide safe passage for migratory birds and is supported by Bird Safe Nashville, Metro Parks’ Nature Centers and Natural Resources program, the Audubon Society, Cumberland Harpeth Chapter; Tennessee Ornithological Society, Nashville Chapter; Owls Hill Nature Sanctuary, Cumberland River Compact, and Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming the period of March through May and August through October as LIGHTS OUT NIGHTS in Nashville, Tennessee. The Metro Council encourages all of our residents, community partners, and business owners to help protect birds by turning off all non-essential lighting during the critical bird migration period, which is between dusk and dawn every night March through May and August through October.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County requiring it.