Win-WIN for the Stars!

We are excited to announce our new Outdoor lighting fixture reimbursement program!

At Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley, we think the night sky is worth saving and we are committed to working towards the vision of having all outdoor light fixtures in Custer County, CO be dark sky compliant lighting. Thus, by working together we can preserve the wonder of the night sky that is the blessing and heritage of life here in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado.

In order to meet this goal, we are offering up to a $200 reimbursement for replacing light polluting outdoor fixtures with dark sky friendly outdoor fixtures.

The images above illustrate the impact of light pollution on the night sky. The left image, taken with light-polluting fixtures, obscuring the stars and celestial objects, significantly reducing the visibility of the night sky. The brightness from these fixtures spills over into unwanted areas, detracting from the natural darkness of the environment.

In contrast, the right image depicts a night scene illuminated by dark sky friendly light fixtures. These fixtures are designed to minimize light trespass and reduce glare. As a result, the night sky appears clearer, with more stars visible. The lighting is directed downward, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose without contributing to overall sky brightness. This preserves the natural beauty of the night sky while providing necessary illumination.

Beginning February 1, 2025, Dark Skies will offer a cash reimbursement of up to $200 to homeowners in Custer County, CO who replace their non-dark sky friendly outdoor light fixtures with dark sky friendly outdoor light fixtures.  

How do I participate in the “Win-WIn for the Stars” Outdoor Light Fixture reimbursement?

Step 1:  Fill in the form below. Once received, one of our Dark Skies Fixture Coaches will contact you to discuss the program in detail, answering any questions you may have. They will also arrange a time to meet and measure the light pollution of the current outdoor lights you are hoping to replace and confirm their qualification for replacement under our reimbursement program. You will be provided with a list of acceptable alternative light fixtures. Please do not purchase fixtures until your consultation with a Fixture Coach. For examples of compliant outdoor light fixtures, please visit our local partner, Central Building Supply in Silver Cliff, for a display of approved outdoor light fixtures. Also, if you currently do not have any outdoor light fixtures at your residence you are still eligible for the program.

Step 2: After your initial on site meeting with the Fixture Coach, it will be your responsibility to purchase the dark sky friendly light fixture(s) from the list provided by the Fixture Coach and have them installed.

Step 3:  Once installed, you will contact your Fixture Coach again. They will arrange an evening appointment to view and measure the light originating from your newly installed light fixture(s.) Both of you will complete and submit paperwork for reimbursement. The Fixture Coach will also require a copy of the invoice/receipt for each approved and installed light fixture.  No reimbursements will be paid for other installation costs including electrician fees, trenching, wire costs, etc. A check for up to a maximum reimbursement of $200 will be mailed to your residence (within 30 days) to help defray the cost of the replacement light fixtures.

KEY ITEMS TO LOOK FOR IN OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

  1. Bulb must be completely inside the fixture shielding with NO portion of the bulb hanging below the shielding.

  2. LED bulbs for the more lumens for lower watts --- uses less electricity.

  3. Ensure the color temperature of all outdoor bulbs are 3000K or less, i.e. warm white vs bright blue hued light.

  4. DO NOT EXCEED 800 lumens for any light even if the light is elevated.

  5. No translucent sides or tops on fixture(s) will be accepted for reimbursement.  

Win-Win For the Stars Program Details

  1. The residence must be located in Custer County, CO.

  2. $200 is the maximum reimbursement and can be applied towards any number of outdoor light fixtures per ONE residential address. 

  3. Each residence may apply only one time.

  4. Dark Skies assumes NO liability in the purchase or installation of any light fixtures.

Are you a local business owner interested in having your outdoor lights replaced?
We work directly with local businesses on a case by case basis. Contact us via the below form, letting us know your business name, location, and the types/number of outdoor fixtures you are looking to replace and we will respond with options of how we can help assist. Thank you!

DArk Sky Friendly OutDoor Lighting Fixtures Essentials: Shielding, Color, Intensity, and Timing

Shielding

Point lights down and check lighting after dark to ensure the light is not going into the sky or onto neighboring property.

The streetlight to the far left has an example of an unshielded light fixture that clearly produces light pollution. To the right is a “full cut-off” or “fully shielded” light fixture. Fully shielded fixtures make the use of light more efficient by directing light where it is needed. These fixtures eliminate glare, provide better visibility and the efficient use of light saves money.

Color

Choose amber colored or soft-white lights.

White light tends to scatter more in the air and obscure our view of the stars, while amber or red light scatters less. It's best to avoid blue or white light at night since they can be harsh and cause glare. Additionally, white and blue light can have adverse effects on wildlife, plants, and human health.

Lighting manufacturers use temperature in Kelvin (K) to describe the color of light. The higher the color temperature, the more blue light the product contains. It's best to choose values no higher than 3000K (soft white), and lower numbers are even better.

Intensity

Only use the amount of light you need for the task, and no more.

Lumens are used to measure the amount of light a source emits. Typically, 800 lumens per fixture is sufficient for most residential purposes. Avoid over-illuminating an area, as it can be wasteful and impair visibility by forcing your eyes to adjust to bright conditions. To see clearly, your eyes need smooth transitions in light levels, so brighter lights aren't always better.

Timing

If you are not using a light, turn it off or put it on a timer to turn off automatically.

Make sure that the light has a good purpose for being left on, and for existing in the first place. If you are worried about security, use a motion sensor light or infrared camera to monitor an area instead of leaving a light on all night. Having a light on all the time may simply draw unwanted attention and make it easier for thieves to identify targets of value, especially in an otherwise dark area. Numerous studies find that turning lights off after 11pm or midnight reduces crime and accidents but leaving lights on can increase crime in some situations.