‼️‼️UPDATE 6/2026‼️‼️ The petition is closed BUT Please read the below letter from the Friends of Big Bear Valley (THEY need your help!)
[copy of FOBBV letter below]
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Dear Eagle Family,

WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

Sandy Steers fought against a luxury housing and marina development called Moon Camp for nearly 25 years. This project is why Friends of Big Bear Valley originally came to be and stopping it was Sandy’s top priority as executive director. This undisturbed land is on the North Shore and is less than 1 mile from 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. 

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.

Sandy helped put together a limited purchase agreement between the developer that owns the property and the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust (SBMLT) before she passed away. SBMLT has an opportunity to buy Moon Camp for permanent conservatorship. The challenge ahead is considerable. SBMLT has to raise $10 million in less than 6 months.

FOBBV has partnered with SBMLT 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. 

‼️HOW CAN YOU HELP?‼️

Our team has created a special website called SaveMoonCamp.org where anyone can donate towards the purchase. 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.

Please feel free to get creative, involve your friends, organize into groups and encourage businesses to help. There are special designations and recognition for large donations.

The clock is ticking, we only have until July 31, 2026‼️ We ask that you donate and let everyone know about SaveMoonCamp.org. DO NOT DONATE FOR THIS ON FOBBV’S WEBSITE OR ON CHANGE.ORG PLEASE. Only donate at SaveMoonCamp.org 

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

‼️‼️UPDATE 7/5‼️‼️ The petition is now closed: 40,680 signatures in just 9 days — that in itself is a victory.

Although we may not have reached the outcome we hoped for, it’s okay—real change takes time, and it rarely happens overnight. What we have achieved matters: awareness has grown, conversations have started, and not ​only locally—they’re happening at national and even global levels.​ The hope is to get the right people talking and to urge decision-makers to think carefully and to consider the true responsibility of leadership — being a catalyst for lasting, thoughtful change.

This isn’t just about one family of bald eagles in Big Bear. Fireworks are traumatic for many animals, not to mention the broader environmental impact that our choices have on the environment. As stewards of this planet, we have a responsibility to care for all life, human and animal alike. Conservation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a shared duty to think more critically about the footprint we leave behind—on land, in the sky, in the sea, or in a lake.

Change doesn’t always have to come in the form of sweeping legislation or grand gestures. On a local level, it can start with small, intentional actions: moving away from fireworks, keeping our lakes clean,​ educating future generations to be mindful of their impact, and encouraging thoughtful choices.

The youth are watching—they’re looking to us. Now is the time to lead with more than just words. Let’s match our values​ and our words with our actions, and let's care for the Earth in a way that truly makes a meaningful difference.
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‼️UPDATE 7/3‼️Sandy Steers shares a message to followers, "It's time to be kind!" on the Friends of Big Bear Valley social media pages (Facebook​, Instagram​, YouTube, and hopefully soon on their TikTok page), and she shared the same post in their private Facebook group.

A quote from Sandy's message is below:

"No matter what else is happening, people MUST be kind to each other. Change is made over time from people taking the time to speak softly, listen and understand each other; never does it come from aggressive or violent behavior." - Sandy
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‼️UPDATE 6/30‼️: Sandy Steers has posted and made a statement on the Friends of Big Bear Valley social media pages (Facebook​, Instagram​, YouTube, and hopefully soon on their TikTok page) and she shared the same post in their private Facebook group.

YouTube video Courtesy of Cali Condor (Admin of the FOBBV Official FB Group)
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• The dangers of fireworks have been well-documented across the country. FOBBV has compiled some of this data in a 🎆 firework presentation 🎆 showing the devastating impact fireworks can have on local communities and wildlife 🎆 ➡️ view on their website here.

Supporters who sign this petition are asked: "Would you chip in?" There is no option to disable this. IMPORTANT NOTE: This money does not go to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), money donated on change.org GOES DIRECTLY TO CHANGE.ORG

Want to support our local Big Bear Bald Eagle Family (Shadow, Jackie, Sunny and Gizmo)? There are 3 EASY WAYS to provide financial support towards all of FOBBV's educational projects, including the LIVE bald eagle nest cameras:
🔗Donate https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/donate
🔗Shop https://friendsofbigbearvalley.org/shop
🔗Join https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/shop/memberships

The Big Bear Lake area is known for its majestic beauty for all human visitors and even more so for our local wildlife, particularly the eagle sisters, Gizmo and Sunny, who have made our community their home. These magnificent birds symbolize freedom, grace, and the wild spirit of our beloved area. Their presence in our hometown not only adds to the uniqueness of Big Bear Lake but also enriches the ecosystem.

Fireworks, however, pose a significant threat to these eagles. Known for their majestic daytime flight, eagles do not naturally fly after dark unless they are threatened or disturbed. The loud and frightening explosions of fireworks can spook them, causing them to flee their nests, potentially into situations fraught with danger. This not only jeopardizes their immediate safety but could also lead to them leaving the area permanently, which would be a tragic loss for our community.

This isn't just a plea about preserving natural beauty—it's about ensuring the safety and well-being of our local wildlife. Without restrictions, fireworks could lead to unintended consequences, such as these eagles leaving their habitat when they are not prepared to do so, increasing risks to their lives. Eagles are a protected species, and it's our duty to safeguard them.

I urge you to consider the long-term impact of fireworks on the wildlife in Big Bear Lake. By choosing to delay or ban the annual 4th of July fireworks show. Take a crucial step in protecting Gizmo, Sunny, and the entire Eagle family. Let's ensure that these beautiful creatures can continue to thrive in their natural environment, free from undue stress and danger.

Please support this petition to show your support of No Fireworks in Big Bear Lake while the Sisters are still in the area and in the nest, ensuring the safety and preservation of our world-famous feathered community members. Sign the petition to protect and show support for Gizmo and Sunny.