Since there is a streetlight immediately across the street from my house, I'm looking for a local (Williston) location where I can set up under a reasonably dark sky without breaking any rules. The other night, I checked out the Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston, and it seems like a good spot. The parking area (dirt) is not gated, and so is accessible at night. It is also large and flat, allowing several cars to park with plenty of space for telescopes. The sky seemed reasonably dark, for Williston, with good views in most directions.
I'm wondering if anyone else has used this location and if doing so does not violate any rules. I wrote an email to the Family Center contact address asking how they felt about me coming to set up, both as an individual and, potentially, as a location for VAS outreach events. I haven't yet heard back about that.
I would imagine that if you were a member there would be no issue. Looks like it's $225 a year. https://catamountoutdoor.org/memberships/
Gary Nowak has observed from there. I don't know whether he has contacted them about observing from there. I can put you in touch with him. He found that the seeing was not good there, but I don't know how many times he made observations to make that assessment.
Paul
@eben-gay Or even the $60 Annual Supporting Membership might be sufficient since I'm not talking about using the trails for biking or skiing. Their page mentions that a significant portion of their expenses supports the "trailhead area." I feel like that would include the parking lot.
@pwalker That's interesting about the seeing. I suppose it might be due to the heat coming off the parking lot. It isn't asphalt, but probably the dirt gets hotter during the day than grass would (I guess?). If that's the issue, setting up on the edge of the lot so the primary observing targets are viewed over the fields might help mitigate it.
A follow-up: I did receive a message from John at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center's Guest Services. He said the lot was available for observing and noted that it is public property (Town of Williston). He also mentioned that for an event with more than 25 people, we would want a temporary permit. Apparently, there is a link to an application form on their site.
Guys, I can't see how it will be an issue, without membership, and it's a conserved property partially purchased by the town's funds and overseen by the town. We're not using any trails (which are free to walk by the way). So not sure it should cost a cent.
Terri
Maybe we should set up a star party there.
Terri
Peter, forgot to mention, I love the Avatar.
T