Jackie and Shadow, the beloved bald eagle pair nesting near Big Bear Lake, California, have captured hearts around the world. Millions have followed their lives through a live stream operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), watching as they raise their precious eagle chicks, weather storms, and soar above the San Bernardino Mountains. Their nest has become a symbol of wild beauty and resilience.
Sadly, a proposed housing development known as Moon Camp is raising alarms among environmentalists and the local community. The project includes 58 residential lots and a marina with 55 boat slips, situated right near the eagles’ nesting grounds. Many fear the construction would bring noise, increased traffic, tree loss, and human disturbance too close to one of California’s most well-known bald eagle habitats.
Last week, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the Moon Camp project without any public comment or discussion period. The move shocked many who had expected a more transparent process. The decision was made despite the fact that more than 6,000 emails had been submitted by concerned citizens opposing the development.
The proposal will come before the board again this Tuesday at 10 a.m. for reconsideration. Though the project was previously approved, it has faced ongoing legal battles over concerns including inadequate fire evacuation routes, threats to endangered plants and wildlife, and harm to federally protected bald eagles like Jackie and Shadow.
Friends of Big Bear Valley has been at the forefront of this fight. They’ve already won several environmental lawsuits against the project and remain committed to protecting the land. They argue that the Moon Camp development would destroy more than 2,000 trees and permanently alter the natural environment on which Jackie, Shadow, and countless other species depend on.
While some local residents understand the demand for housing, many remain deeply concerned about the ecological cost. The nesting area is not just home to Jackie and Shadow; it’s part of a delicate ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife.
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) continue to urge the public to follow the correct legal process when seeking to help. They stress that petitions, even those with thousands of signatures, do not impact land use decisions. Instead, they can cause confusion and sometimes divert attention from more effective measures.
To develop a long-term solution, FOBBV has been working for over four years in partnership with the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust to purchase the Moon Camp property. Only the Land Trust possesses the legal authority to buy and hold land for conservation purposes. An official fundraiser for this initiative will be announced when it is ready, and FOBBV will assist in promoting it through their verified website and channels.
This week, Jackie and Shadow were seen spending the night on their favorite Roost Tree and stopping by the Lookout Snag, a quiet reminder of what’s at stake. These birds don’t know their home is on the brink of irreversible change.
You can find more information and updates HERE!
