Big Bend National Park Exterior Facility Lighting Inventory

Taylor, Allison; Skiles, Jack

Between October 18 and November 23, 2004, characteristics of all exterior electric light fixtures in Big Bend National Park were documented. The purpose of the Inventory was primarily to determine 1) number of light fixtures, 2) proportion of light fixtures exhibiting some degree of shielding to minimize or prevent stray light, and 3) various purposes that the fixtures served. A strategy designed to monitor artificial light source change over time in Big Bend National Park was implemented by the NPS Night Sky Team in late 2003. From Emory Peak, this initiative documented sky glow from distant sources including Cds. Chihuahua and Monterrey, Mexico; El Paso/Juarez, Presidio/Ojinaga, Midland/Odessa, Ft. Stockton, and Del Rio/Cd. Acuna; and from nearby sources, including Terlingua/Study Butte, Terlingua Ranch and the Chisos Basin. In order to develop an improvement strategy, it became apparent that an inventory of exterior lighting in the park would be required. Only with such an inventory would it be possible to calculate replacement and re-fitting costs, including materials and labor. With inventory and cost-calculation essentials in place, the park will be prepared to develop funding proposals for project implementation. This project represents completion of the inventory phase of accomplishing the overall lighting improvement goal.