A critical deadline looms for California locals attempting to raise $10 million to preserve the last undeveloped shoreline on Big Bear Lake, a picturesque mountain lake near Los Angeles. The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust has a limited agreement to purchase the 63-acre property, known as Moon Camp, but must secure the full amount by July 31 to prevent it from being developed.
Developers have pursued plans for the site for years, with proposals evolving from over 100 homes to a 50-home subdivision with a marina. Despite local opposition, environmental concerns, and legal challenges, San Bernardino County approved the scaled-back project in 2025, leading to further lawsuits from conservation groups concerned about the impact on local wildlife.
As of July 23, the land trust had raised nearly half of its $10 million goal. Real estate developer Ari Rastegar expressed optimism, stating that the goal is achievable for affluent buyers and those with an emotional connection to the area, particularly those invested in conservation efforts and the region's bald eagle population.
The campaign to save Moon Camp argues that the untouched shoreline is vital for more than just wildlife. It also supports rare native plants, helps maintain evacuation routes in a region prone to wildfires, and preserves one of the few remaining natural landscapes around a lake increasingly surrounded by vacation homes and rental properties.
Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, highlighted the connection between gentrification and conservation in places like Big Bear. She noted that as the area becomes a more popular destination for affluent visitors, long-term residents face a challenging housing market. The city itself has acknowledged the need for affordable housing for its workforce. Casper stated that adding high-value residential development to a market already influenced by tourism and short-term rentals can escalate land and housing costs, ultimately altering who can afford to live in the area and potentially displacing long-term residents and their cultural heritage.
Real estate professionals suggest that responsible development could involve enhancing existing areas while protecting unique natural features. However, for highly desirable locations, development is often seen as inevitable. The concern is that overdevelopment could diminish the natural setting that draws visitors, negatively impacting property values, tourism, and local businesses.