Jonestown, Texas
About
The City of Jonestown, Texas, known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” is located on the shores of Lake Travis, 25 miles northwest of Austin in Travis County. Jonestown was incorporated in 1985 and is a small, rural community with a population of approximately 2500.
Jonestown is known for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, birding, hiking/biking, and water sports. The city is surrounded by the Balconies Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge and the Balcones Canyonland Preserves, encompassing over 60,000 acres of protected lands. The Canyonlands are integral for land and water conservation. Jonestown and the Canyonlands are well-known protected features along the pathway for annual bird migrations.
Working together in 2021, city personnel and the newly formed Jonestown Night Sky Advocacy crafted and passed a new lighting ordinance to follow the guidelines of DarkSky International. With help from Pedernales Electric Company Inc., all street lighting has been changed to comply with the new lighting ordinance. An inventory of all other city-owned lighting has been completed, and the city is working on correcting non-compliant lighting.
Earning our International Dark Sky Community designation is only the first step to bringing attention to the importance of dark sky protection. Raising awareness and heritage preservation will be an ongoing effort. Jonestown advocates aim to inspire other communities to work with DarkSky International to protect the night from light pollution and realize the many benefits of responsible outdoor lighting.
Area
13.7 Sq. Km
Designated
2023
Category
International Dark Sky Community
Address
17509 Lighthouse Ln.
Jonestown, TX 78645
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Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies near Jonestown, Texas (30.50, -97.92).
