Big Bear bald eagles’ habitat saved after $10 million raised to stop Moon Camp development

The 63 acres of wild land at Big Bear Lake known as Moon Camp are now protected. For years, this forested area served as a nesting site for the famous bald eagles Jackie and Shadow. A proposed development of 50 luxury homes threatened to destroy this habitat, but local conservation efforts reached a successful conclusion this week.

After six months of intense fundraising, the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust secured the necessary $10 million to purchase the land and stop the construction. The effort saw widespread community support and a significant final push from benefactors Anna and Greg Brockman. The couple contributed $5.5 million toward the project, effectively closing the gap to meet the purchase agreement deadline.

This outcome preserves critical biodiversity and keeps the ecological corridor intact for the local bald eagle population, as well as the San Bernardino Flying Squirrel and various waterfowl. The trust plans to finalize the acquisition by July 31, ensuring the area remains undeveloped in perpetuity.

While the habitat is now secure, the eagles themselves continue to face challenges. Jackie, the female in the nesting pair, remains at the Ojai Raptor Center. She is currently recovering from a confrontation with other eagles that occurred last week. Specialists report she is in guarded condition, though she remains alert and is eating on her own. While her recovery is ongoing, the preservation of the Moon Camp land ensures that her home, and the home of her mate Shadow, will be ready for them when they return to the nest.