Legacy of Eagle Conservation and Community Effort at Big Bear Lake

A majestic bird with an impressive wingspan lands in a tall Jeffrey pine at Big Bear Lake, while spectators on a nearby boat celebrate. Shadow, a well-known bald eagle, has delivered a fish to his two growing eaglets, much to the delight of those watching the nest’s livestream.

Despite the joy, there’s a somber note. Observers, including volunteers from Friends of Big Bear Valley, are gathered to remember Sandy Steers, the late executive director behind the nest cam. The organization is urgently raising $10 million to prevent land along the lake’s north shore from becoming a gated community.

Honoring Sandy Steers

On a sunny Saturday, around 100 people attended Steers’ memorial at Big Bear’s Veterans Park, with the shimmering lake as a backdrop. The event has been viewed over 53,000 times online. Over a dozen speakers highlighted Steers’ diverse accomplishments, including her work as a biologist and her ability to make bald eagles an international sensation.

Steers, aged 73, passed away in February due to cancer. Her legacy includes stopping a housing development called Moon Camp in 2001. This led to the founding of Friends of Big Bear Valley, now fighting to stop the same project.

Shelley Egan, one of the interim directors succeeding Steers, described her as having a Disney-like magic, due to her ability to connect with animals. Others remembered her as tenacious and dedicated to wildlife protection.

Tim Krantz, a University of Redlands professor, recalled Steers’ fierce advocacy during a legal battle to protect the eagles’ habitat. Despite appearing gentle, her arguments were powerful and effective.

Preserving Eagle Habitat

Friends of Big Bear Valley is working strategically to halt a planned 50-home and marina development. Although the project received approval from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors after an environmental review, concerns remain about its effect on the eagles’ habitat.

The nonprofit has already raised over $3.3 million in mostly small donations. Steers herself left $50,000 to support this cause. If successful, the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust will conserve the land, possibly passing responsibility to the U.S. Forest Service.

Steve Foulkes from RCK Properties confirmed the land trust’s option to buy the land for $10 million by July 31. Jenny Voisard, from Friends of Big Bear Valley, emphasized their commitment to preventing development, despite the challenges.

The Eagles’ Journey On

Amidst the human activities below, nature proceeds undisturbed. Jackie and Shadow, the parent eagles, watch over their maturing offspring, who are preparing for their first flight.

On Friday, enthusiasts viewed the nest from various locations, hopeful to witness the eaglets’ first flight. Big Bear enthusiasts from Southern California have been captivated by the eagles via the online nest cam.

Many supporters, including Lezlie Harris, find solace in following the eagles, using the livestream as a source of joy and inspiration. Despite hardships, such as a severe storm last year, the eagle community continues to thrive and grow.

The eaglets, Luna and Sandy, are named in honor of Steers. With each flight, they continue her legacy, embodying the community’s conservation efforts.