Effort to raise $10M to halt development near Big Bear eagles’ nest – NBC Los Angeles

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nature conservation nonprofit behind the wildly popular 24/7 Bald Eagle Nest Camera, is rallying against a housing and marina development that could be built less than one mile from the beloved bald eagles’ nest.

FOBBV detailed the ongoing fight against the development on Big Bear’s North Shore in a social media post Thursday, saying their late executive director, Sandy Steers, had strongly opposed the project for nearly 25 years.

Fans of the Big Bear eagle camera likely learned something about the amazing birds from Sandy Steers. Video broadcast Thursday Feb. 13, 2026 on the NBC4 News.

Steers died on Feb. 11, but the FOBBV said it plans to carry forward her “vision and mission” to prevent the Moon Camp development from taking over the land in Fawnskin and impacting the quality of life for the famous bald eagle duo, Jackie and Shadow.

According to the post, the project would be built right in the area where Jackie and Shadow “perch and forage for food.”

“It is also home to a rare and endangered plant species,” the post said. “The destruction of this shoreline will make it more difficult for Jackie and Shadow to raise chicks, and the disturbance may cause them to leave their nesting area altogether.”

Jackie and Shadow currently live atop a nest 145 feet high in a Jeffrey pine tree in Big Bear Valley — a nest that fervent fans watch with wonder daily via FOBBV’s nest cam.

Sunny the eagle, the offspring of famed Big Bear eagles Jackie and Shadow, bravely took flight for the first time. So, what’s next? Friends of Big Bear Valley Director Sandy Steers shares some insight. This video was broadcast on the NBC4 News at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025.

The post said stopping the project was Steers’ top priority. Before her death, FOBBV said Steers had put together a limited purchase agreement between the developer who owns the property and the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust (SBMLT).

The nonprofit said the SBMLT has an opportunity to buy Moon Camp “for permanent conservatorship,” but the group needs to raise $10 million by July 31, 2026, to make that a reality.

If that happens, nearly 63 acres will be permanently conserved and preserved, and the land will become part of the United States Forest Service.

FOBBV said it’s partnering with SBMLT to lead the fundraising effort “on behalf of Jackie and Shadow and the other endangered species that rely on the ecosystem.”

FOBBV’s team launched a website — Save Moon Camp — to spread the word and collect donations to help buy Moon Camp.

“Jackie and Shadow need everyone to be their heroes,” the post said. “FOBBV and SBMLT are deeply grateful for your support. Let’s get this done for Sandy!”

NBC Los Angeles reached out to San Bernardino County, which approved the Moon Camp development last year, for comment.

The gated community project will have space for 50 homes and boats near Big Bear Lake. Christian Cázares reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025.

Moon Camp proposal history

According to the Save Moon Camp website, the development project has been in the works since 2001. Over the years, environmental groups, including FOBBV, have “filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of the bald eagles, San Bernardino flying squirrels and the rare Ash-gray Indian Paintbrush.”

In 2020, the project’s 50-lot subdivision for luxury homes and a marina was approved. Lawsuits from FOBBV and other groups followed.

In 2022, the project was halted in court, but the developer made changes and resubmitted the proposal, triggering the battle once more.

In 2025, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the project. Steers opposed the project at a public hearing and FOBVV filed another lawsuit.

In 2026, just before her death, Steers led negotiations for the limited agreement between the developer and SBMLT.