Friends of Big Bear Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust are racing to raise $10 million by July 31, 2026 to buy Moon Camp, a 63-acre North Shore lakefront parcel in Fawnskin less than one mile from bald eagles Jackie and Shadow's nest. The land is threatened by a planned luxury subdivision and marina; conservationists warn construction could force the pair to abandon the area. As of Feb. 23, the campaign had raised $303,026.26. The acquisition would add the property to adjacent U.S. Forest Service lands for permanent protection.
Race to Save Moon Camp: $10M Needed to Protect Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow
Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow.FriendsofBigBearValley.org
A decades-long campaign to protect the nesting and foraging habitat of Big Bear Valley’s iconic bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, has reached a decisive moment. Conservation groups are racing to raise $10 million to buy Moon Camp, a 63-acre stretch of North Shore lakefront in Fawnskin, California, that lies less than one mile from the eagles' nest.
Fundraising Race and Deadline
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) have until July 31, 2026 to raise the full $10 million to acquire the property and add it to adjacent U.S. Forest Service lands for permanent protection. As of Feb. 23, the campaign had raised $303,026.26.
Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow.FriendsofBigBearValley.org
Why Moon Camp Matters
Moon Camp’s undisturbed shoreline and nearby habitat are important perching and foraging areas for Jackie and Shadow. The site also supports a rare and endangered plant species. Conservation scientists warn that a proposed luxury housing subdivision and marina would bring noise, light, boat traffic and human activity that could cause "significant detrimental impact" and potentially force the eagles to abandon their territory.
Background And Local Response
The developer has granted SBMLT a limited option to buy the property after more than 25 years of public opposition. Despite that opposition — including more than 5,000 public emails to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors — the board approved the development last September, prompting conservationists to intensify their effort to secure the land.
Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow's chicks.FriendsofBigBearValley.org
Leadership, Legacy And Appeal
The campaign was a top priority for longtime FOBBV executive director Sandy Steers, who negotiated the purchase option and served on SBMLT’s board. Steers died on Feb. 11, 2026; before her passing she urged supporters to act, saying, "We need everyone to become Jackie and Shadow's hero." In an earlier appeal she added, "Every single Bald Eagle is an amazing individual being with the right to thrive."
How The Land Will Be Protected
If SBMLT raises the full amount by the July 31 deadline, the property will be permanently preserved and incorporated into the adjacent United States Forest Service lands to protect wildlife habitat and public access.
How To Help
FOBBV is managing the campaign and has called on its roughly 2.4 million social media followers to spread the word and donate. For details and to contribute, visit savemooncamp.org.
Current Status (as of Feb. 23): $303,026.26 raised toward a $10,000,000 goal; deadline July 31, 2026.
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