The Dolores Rotary Club has a holiday light display on the hill south of Merritt Way. The display reads “Peace on Earth Goodwill to Men,” and includes a cross, angel and star of David. The display is usually on during the holiday season, but this year the lights came on Sept. 29, and as of Monday night, they lit up the night.

Usually, they come on at dusk, are off at 10 p.m., then on again at 4 a.m. One Rotary Club member explained that morning lights are to “cheer up” commuters, and had “no idea” the lights were on Sept. 29.

Currently, the lights are on from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. They cast artificial light over the Dolores River and town, creating light pollution, which disrupts human circadian rhythms by depleting melatonin, and increasing risks of obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Artificial lighting at night impacts nocturnal animals, disturbing the habitat of both predators and prey. Another Rotary Club member said the lights don’t impact wildlife since they are on when “everything is frozen.” Yet, nothing is “frozen.” The lights were on during the entire Kokanee run and, now, during bears’ hyperphagia phase.

The Rotary Club uses blue spectrum LED bulbs to save money, but how much is saved with lights on every night?

The Rotary “Four Way Test” asks the question whether or not its actions are beneficial to all concerned.

Artificial light at night is not beneficial to humans or wildlife.

Why are they on?

J. F. Miller

Dolores