Petition to Protect Bald Eagles from All Fireworks in and adjacent to National Forest without exceptions.

The Issue

Despite national and local laws protecting bald eagles and prohibiting all fireworks in federal 

Forests, exceptions and loopholes exist. 

These allow fireworks’ displays, like the one at Big Bear in the San Bernardino National Forest (California) to occur which disturb the eagles and can have tragic effects.  

These “get arounds” must be eliminated to protect America’s National symbol!

Time Frame - July 4, 2026

What better present for Jackie, Shadow, Sunny and Gizmo, the internationally famous bald eagle family of Big Bear,  than  to get the Jackie and Shadow Law passed in time for America’s 250th Birthday ?!?!

Background 

Over 40,000 people signed a Change.org petition urging the cancellation of Big Bear’s annual 4th of July fireworks display to protect the bald eagle family. 

The concerns, though acknowledged by the organizers, were ignored and the locally permitted fireworks display went on as planned and lead to demands for a national ban. 

This petition is the outcome. It calls for a federal law protecting bald eagles by restricting fireworks in sensitive wildlife areas, without exceptions. The law would prohibit all local and state permitting exceptions.

Fireworks Threaten Wildlife

Fireworks pose significant risks to wildlife, particularly bald eagles, due to their loud noises, bright lights, and chemical pollution. 

Eagles, with poor night vision, typically do not fly after dark unless startled. Fireworks can spook them, causing them to flee their nests and face dangers such as collisions with power lines, trees, buildings, or roads.

Bald Eagle Population

According to the USFWS 2020 Bald Eagle Population Size Report, approximately 316,700 bald eagles and 71,400 nesting pairs reside in the lower 48 states, with an additional 30,000 breeding pairs and 40,000–50,000 individuals in Alaska. Protecting these populations is critical, as bald eagles are a protected species and the national emblem of the United States.

The Laws

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), prohibits actions that “disturb bald or golden eagles, cause injury, decrease productivity, or lead to nest abandonment” (50 CFR 22.6).

The U.S. Forest Service Code of Federal Regulations prohibits all fireworks, including sparklers, on national forest lands (CFR 36 § 261.52) to “conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people” (fws.gov). 

Legal Violations

Exceptions are made for professional fireworks displays due to economic and cultural considerations. Permitted exceptions can also be made if areas, like the Big Bear lake, while on federal land, is administered by local agencies. 

Major Nation-wide Fireworks Displays

1.  Addison, Texas – Kaboom Town (near Trinity River Greenbelt, adjacent to national forests)

2.  Big Bear Lake, California – San Bernardino National Forest

3.  Estes Park, Colorado – Fireworks Over Lake Estes (near Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest)

4.  Flagstaff, Arizona – Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Fireworks (near Coconino National Forest)

5.  Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Fourth of July Midnight Parade and Fireworks (near Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

6.  South Lake Tahoe, California – Lights on the Lake (near Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit)

The Bald Eagle: A Symbol of National Pride

Chosen as the national emblem in 1782 by the Second Continental Congress and officially designated as the national bird on December 24, 2024, the bald eagle embodies the strength, courage, freedom, and resilience of the United States. Protecting this iconic species is a national responsibility.

Preserving Tradition with Safer Alternatives

Fireworks have long been a symbol of American celebrations, particularly on Independence Day, representing joy and patriotism. This petition does not seek to end this tradition but advocates for safer alternatives, such as drone shows or laser light displays, in national forests and other environmentally sensitive areas. These options minimize risks to wildlife while maintaining the spirit of celebration.

Call to Action

We urge national policymakers, local communities and the U.S. Forest Service to:

•  Cancel or relocate fireworks displays in areas critical to bald eagle habitats, such as Big Bear Lake, while eaglets like Gizmo and Sunny remain in the nest.

•  Enforce the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and U.S. Forest Service regulations without exceptions that endanger wildlife.

•  Promote eco-friendly alternatives like drone shows or laser displays for celebrations in protected areas.

Support the Cause

Sign the petition -protect Jackie, Shadow, Gizmo, Sunny, and bald eagles nationwide!