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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 ...
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