Manson Dark Skies Initiative
Manson DarkSky Initiative (MDSI)
Inaugural Meeting Notes — December 2, 2025
1. Outreach & Updates
Public Utility District (PUD)
Gerry shared significant progress with Chelan County PUD, which has been highly supportive and is actively promoting DarkSky principles.
PUD Contacts:
· Jim White – Principal Energy Efficiency Engineer
· Cathy Morris – Energy Efficiency Marketing
· Drew Thompson – Energy Efficiency Advisor
PUD may provide educational materials, including postcards, to support outreach.
Chelan County
Mattie Treat manages permit packages for new buildings.
Goal: Include DarkSky verbiage for the 98831 area based on Urban Growth Association (UGA) guidelines.
Local Organizations & Businesses
Wapato Point has been contacted.
Winery Owners: Gerry and Drew Thompson will meet with several wineries on December 9th to introduce the initiative and build early support.
2. Bigger Picture: Recognition Goal
Brad Gibbs’ recommended approach was reviewed.
Long-term objective: Achieve official designation as an International Dark Sky Community through DarkSky International (darksky.org).
3. Suggested Action Items
A. Define MDI Purpose & Messaging COMPLETED
· Karen will draft a clear purpose statement and messaging framework for committee review.
B. Establish an Educational Website COMPLETED
· Tom and Tracey each have potential contacts who may assist with website development.
· Tom will investigate funding support through the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC).
· TWISP has offered to share website assets to streamline development.
C. Secure PUD Postcards COMPLETED
· Gerry and Tracey will request 500+ postcards from PUD for distribution to residents, businesses, and organizations.
D. Law Enforcement Engagement
· Contact the Chelan County Sheriff to obtain a formal safety statement and potentially speak at the January 2026 Reclamation Meeting to address safety misconceptions (e.g., “brighter lights = safer community”).
· Lynn Witt will reach out to the Sheriff’s office.
E. Local Retail Partnerships
Create awareness at Kelly’s Hardware and Lake Chelan Building Supply, focusing on:
· Proper bulb selection (soft white, amber)
· Timers
· Light shrouds
· Dimmers
· Other dark-sky-friendly products
Goal: Help residents easily identify what to buy and where to buy it.
F. Short-Term Rentals
· Include DarkSky language from the UGA document in Short-Term Rental Owner Agreements.
G. Media & Community Awareness
Request opportunities to share the MDI mission:
· Second Cup (local media segment)
· Wenatchee World TV
H. Educational Materials
· Develop a one-page educational flyer like the PUD postcard.
I. Community Events IN THE WORKS
· Participate in the Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 18 at Riverwalk Park in Chelan (Anne Brooks is the coordinator).
· Engage local astrological/astronomy groups to help with outreach.
· Consider Singleton Park as a potential stargazing site.
4. Community Education Focus
The committee unanimously agreed that community education is the initiative’s mission.
Simple, actionable steps for residents and businesses include:
· Switching bright white bulbs to soft white or amber
· Using timers to turn off outdoor lights for at least 6 hours overnight
· Installing dimmers to reduce glare
· Encouraging shielded, downward-facing fixtures
Name
Phone
Gerry Ustanik
Tom Pettigrew
Tracey Hepner
Deb Koenig
Lynn Witt
Sharon Johnson
Bob Johnson
Rene Commons
Karen Kimerer
Brad Gibbs
Hailee Lehman
These actions support wildlife, reduce glare, restore night skies, and ultimately enhance the value and appeal of the Manson community, attracting mindful tourism.
Manson DarkSky Initiative (MDSI)
Meeting Notes — December 11, 2025
Attendees:
Gerry Ustanik, Tom Pettigrew, Tracey Hepner, Deb Koenig, Brad Gibbs, Hailee Lehman, Karen Kimerer
1. Mission & Vision (Finalized Draft Pending Minor Tourism Adjustment)
Decision:
The committee selected Mission & Vision – Example A, with a slight modification to the tourism language.
MISSION
“Our mission is to protect Manson’s night sky by inspiring residents and businesses to adopt lighting practices that improve safety, support wildlife, save energy, preserve the beauty of our valley, and support tourism.”
VISION
“Our vision is to preserve the night sky as a cherished part of Manson’s identity by helping our community understand the impacts of light pollution and embrace simple, thoughtful lighting choices. Together, we can protect wildlife, enhance safety, conserve energy, promote mindful tourism, and restore the opportunity to stand beneath a star-filled sky for generations to come.”
Action: None — wording to be added to website and materials.
2. Official Initiative Name
Decision:
Group confirmed the official title:
Manson DarkSky Initiative (MDSI)
3. AVA Meeting Update (Dec 9)
Summary:
· Positive reception from winery representatives.
· Several wineries still need follow-up.
· Once Mission/Vision and website/social channels are active, the committee will schedule meetings with businesses able to implement lighting changes (color adjustments, timers, shielding).
· Storage facility near Stapleton Park should be added to outreach list.
Actions:
· Schedule winery/business meetings for January.
· Add storage facility to the outreach list.
4. Website Development (Presenter: Hailee Lehman)
Recommendations:
· Platform: Squarespace for ease of updates & longevity.
· Estimated cost: $2,500 for ~5 pages.
· Tom suggested obtaining an invoice for possible 2025 year-end allocation.
Proposed Website Pages
· HOME
· ABOUT
· LIGHT POLLUTION (may merge with ABOUT)
· NEWS
· CONTACT
· DONATE
· RESOURCES
· EVENTS (Not needed at this time)
Content & Visual Concepts
· Use Brian Patterson’s astrophotography to showcase Manson’s night sky.
· Consider “current state vs. desired state” lighting comparisons.
Actions:
All members:Review the following websites, note what you like/dislike, and email input within 1–2 weeks:
· https://www.methowdarksky.org/about
· https://www.wenatcheevalleystars.org/
· https://darksky.org/news/sunriver-first-idsp-in-oregon/
This input will determine final website structure and priorities.
5. Facebook / Social Media Presence
Decision:
· Create a Facebook page (Instagram optional later).
· Allow comments for first 90 days to read community sentiment; may disable later if needed.
· Use as both an education platform and a myth-busting channel.
Actions:
· Create a content calendar (monthly or quarterly).
· Gather photos, facts, examples to preload scheduled posts.
· Identify a point person or small team to manage comments.
6. Earth Day Booth (April 18, 2026)
Updates:
· Tracey will contact organizers on Jan 1 to secure a 12×12 booth with electricity.
· Brad suggested a “live lighting example” display using two fixtures (full-glare vs. DarkSky-compliant).
· A shadow box may be required since the event is held during daylight.
· Potential idea: PUD or a bulb manufacturer donates amber bulbs for attendees.
· Promote a “5 Minutes of Lights Out” campaign on Earth Day.
Actions:
· Tracey: Secure booth on Jan 1.
· Volunteer needed: Contact PUD or manufacturers about bulb donations.
· Design and build lighting demonstration box.
7. Postcards / QR Codes (PUD & DarkSky.org)
Discussion:
· Create labels with QR codes linking to the MDSI website and apply them to PUD postcards.
· Must confirm whether PUD or DarkSky.org has restrictions on altering or relabeling materials.
Action:
Volunteer needed: Contact PUD + DarkSky.org to confirm permissions.
8. Next Meeting
Action:
Meet one more time before Christmas to:
· Review website input
· Review of social media plan
· Confirm January business outreach priorities
.