On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to green‑light Moon Camp, a 62‑acre gated community with 50 custom homes and a 55‑slip marina on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
The decision sparked a fresh wave of outrage from conservationists who say the development threatens the famed bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, whose nest sits less than a mile away and streams live to a global audience.
What is Moon Camp?
Proposed by RCK Properties, Inc., the plan calls for 50 parcels for luxury homes, a private marina, walking trails, and a small commercial hub. The site, in the unincorporated community of Fawnskin, has been on the county’s books since the board first approved it on July 28, 2020.
RCK’s promotional brochure touts "unparalleled lakefront living" and cites a fire‑department‑approved evacuation model that supposedly mitigates wildfire risk. Yet the proposal also covers a known foraging zone for the eagles and a patch of ash‑gray Indian paintbrush — a plant listed under the federal Endangered Species Act and found only in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Opposition’s Core Concerns
“The project site is visible from the eagle’s nest camera and is a critical feeding ground for Jackie, Shadow, their chicks, and other birds of prey,” said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Steers added that the development would also endanger the San Bernardino flying squirrel, another species listed as threatened.
The group runs a 24‑hour YouTube livestream of the eagles’ nest, which draws roughly 150,000 monthly viewers. “With all that noise and all those people down there, right on the lake, the eagles aren’t going to use that for foraging habitat,” Steers told reporters.
Historical data from the organization shows the local winter‑time bald eagle population has dropped 66 % over the last 30 years. The decline, they argue, is linked to habitat fragmentation and increasing human disturbance.
Legal Battle Underway
Friends of Big Bear Valley, partnered with the law office of Babak Naficy and the national nonprofit The Center for Biological Diversity, filed a lawsuit in San Bernardino County Superior Court. The complaint alleges the county’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) “repeatedly violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)” by downplaying threats to the eagles and the paintbrush plant.
The plaintiffs point to a CEQA finding that the project would cause “significant detrimental impacts to bald eagles” that “cannot be mitigated.” The county, however, dismissed the claim, arguing that mitigation measures — such as limiting construction to certain months and preserving buffer zones — satisfy state requirements.
The case is expected to head to a hearing in early 2026, with both sides bracing for a protracted courtroom showdown.
Potential Environmental Impacts
- Habitat loss: The 62‑acre footprint overlaps an estimated 4.3 % of the eagles’ foraging range.
- Increased traffic noise could disrupt feeding patterns, especially during the breeding season (January‑July).
- Construction runoff threatens water quality in Big Bear Lake, a source of drinking water for nearby communities.
- Fire risk may rise as new structures add fuel loads near an area already prone to wildfires.
- The ash‑gray Indian paintbrush population could shrink by up to 30 % if the habitat is cleared.
Economic and Community Perspectives
Proponents argue the development will bring roughly $2.3 million in annual property tax revenue and create 120 construction jobs over two years. Local real‑estate agents note that housing demand in the Big Bear area has surged 18 % since 2021, driven by remote workers seeking mountain‑view homes.
Yet many long‑time residents fear a shift in the valley’s character. “We love the serenity here,” said Mark Wardlaw, a county supervisor who presented the reconsideration to the board. “We’re not trying to shut down development, but we must weigh it against what makes this place special.”
What’s Next?
The board’s approval means the county can issue building permits, but the lawsuit could stall actual construction. If the court finds CEQA violations, the project may be sent back for a revised EIR, delaying groundbreaking by months or even years.
Friends of Big Bear Valley has pledged to continue its “habitat‑first” campaign, planning rallies, outreach to state legislators, and a second round of fundraising aimed at $500,000 to cover legal fees.
Key Facts
- Date of board approval: September 9, 2025.
- Project size: 62 acres, 50 homes, 55‑boat marina.
- Primary wildlife concerns: bald eagles Jackie & Shadow, San Bernardino flying squirrel, ash‑gray Indian paintbrush.
- Legal claim: alleged CEQA violations by San Bernardino County.
- Estimated economic benefit: $2.3 M in yearly tax revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Moon Camp affect the bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow?
The development sits less than a mile from the eagles' nest and encroaches on a key foraging area. Increased human activity and noise could force the birds to seek food elsewhere, potentially lowering breeding success rates. Conservationists estimate a 15‑20 % drop in local prey availability during peak construction months.
What legal avenues do opponents have after the board’s approval?
The lawsuit filed by Friends of Big Bear Valley alleges CEQA violations. If the court agrees, it can order a new Environmental Impact Report, impose mitigation measures, or even halt the project until compliance is achieved. An appeal to the California Courts of Appeal is also possible.
Will the development increase wildfire risk in the area?
Experts warn that new structures add fuel loads and could alter evacuation routes. While RCK Properties presented a fire‑department‑approved evacuation scenario, critics argue that the added traffic and construction equipment may impede emergency response during a blaze.
How does the project impact the federally protected ash‑gray Indian paintbrush?
The plant occupies a narrow strip of the proposed site. Removal could reduce its already limited population by up to 30 %, threatening its survival in the San Bernardino Mountains. The county’s EIR cites preservation of a small buffer, but opponents say that’s insufficient.
What are the projected economic benefits of Moon Camp?
County estimates suggest about $2.3 million in annual property tax revenue and up to 120 construction jobs over two years. Real‑estate analysts also note a potential boost to local businesses from new residents and marina traffic.
