Save Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest From Large Development, $10M Fundraiser Underway

BIG BEAR, CA — For 25 years, the leader of Friends of Big Bear Valley, Sandy Steers, was the loudest voice in saving the area near the bald eagle's nest from development and destruction. On Thursday, a letter shared the non-profit's plan to purchase the land slated for the Moon Camp luxury housing and development from developers.

It will take roughly $10 million to do it.

In the week after her death, Friends of Big Bear Valley has asked for international support in halting that development through a fundraiser aimed at buying the land, pleading with everyone who regularly watches the bald eagles on the live cameras run by the FOBBV nonprofit.

"Sandy Steers fought against a luxury housing and marina development called Moon Camp for nearly 25 years," a spokesperson for the group wrote on social media. "This project is why Friends of Big Bear Valley originally came to be and stopping it was Sandy’s top priority as executive director."

The currently undisturbed land is on the North Shore and is less than one mile from the bald eagle bonded pair Jackie and Shadow’s nest.

"It is where they perch and forage for food. It is also home to a rare and endangered plant species," they 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."

Before her death, Steers helped put together a limited purchase agreement between the developer that owns the property and the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust, according to the group.

The trust has an opportunity to buy Moon Camp for permanent conservatorship, but that opportunity comes with a hefty cost.

"We have to raise $10 million in less than 6 months," they said.

FOBBV has partnered with the trust to lead the fundraising effort to Save Moon Camp, on behalf of Jackie and Shadow and the other endangered species that rely on the ecosystem.

"We need your help! Our team has created a special website called SaveMoonCamp.org where anyone can donate towards the purchase," they said. "This is the biggest fundraiser we have ever undertaken and it is the most important one of all. It was Sandy’s vision and mission."

The clock is ticking; we only have until July 31, 2026. We ask that you donate and let everyone know about SaveMoonCamp.org. This is the only place to make a donation toward the land purchase, according to the statement.

Jackie and Shadow need everyone to be their heroes. FOBBV and SBMLT are deeply grateful for your support. Lets get this done for Sandy!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Jenny & the FOBBV Team"

Sandy Steers left this ray of hope for the area surrounding her beloved bald eagles as part of her legacy, writing:

“This quiet, dark-skies community has amazing biodiversity that makes it unique in the world.These species, including Jackie and Shadow, deserve to have their habitat preserved for the long-term benefit of everyone.”

The development would threaten flying squirrels and the rare ash-gray Indian Paintbrush, the group says.

A brief history of the Moon Camp project was detailed on the website.

The Moon Camp development, in the works since 2001, would be a 50-lot subdivision of luxury homes, with a marina, approved for building by the county of San Bernardino. The project which was proposed in 2001, was halted in 2022, and again approved in 2025 by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

FOBVV filed a second lawsuit, and in 2026, before her death on Feb. 11, Steers led negotiations for a limited agreement between the Moon Camp developers and the SBMLT, with a July 2026 deadline for the purchase price of $10 million.

To date, nearly $148,000 has been raised, a mere fraction of what is needed by summer. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations can also be mailed to:

SBMLT:
PO Box 490
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

For more information, visit: savemooncamp.org