A major housing proposal in Big Bear is moving forward despite critics who say it could jeopardize Jackie and Shadow along with other bald eagles and wildfires.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the gated community project, which proposed to build 50 homes and boat slips on the north end of Big Bear Lake near the Fawnskin community.

While the project has been in the works since 2020, community members Tuesday showed up to the board meeting Tuesday to voice their fervent opposition. 

Big Bear is built on tourism and people that live and work in Big Bear can’t afford $5 million houses,” Nicolas Berret, a concerned citizen, said. 

Others also pointed out the proposal plan would cut down over 2,000 trees and increase noise and light pollution for residents. 

Advocates for Jackie and Shadow, a beloved Big Bear bald eagle couple, also joined the opposition, adding that other wildlife and endangered species who live in the mountains could be impacted. 

“I urge you, for once, to support the environment that brings the tourists and funds the big Bear valley and county of San Bernardino,” said Sandy Steers, executive director for Friends of Big Bear Valley.

In response, the project’s developer, RCK Properties, said wildlife and endangered animals are not within the project area. 

“No true pebble habitat was found on the project site, so nothing is recommended or required to address the issue,” an official from the company said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Another concern brought up by the community was the evacuation risks during a wildfire with the additional homes.

In a statement, the Mountain Resort Communities Association of Realtors told NBC Los Angeles that while it does not have an official position on the residential project, it recognizes that “residential developments such as this can have various impacts on local housing markets, infrastructure and community dynamics.”

The road along the north end of the lake is a single lane, which sparked concerns for some. But the development team said they presented a multiple evacuation scenario evaluated by the county fire department, and it was approved. 

It was not immediately clear when the project will break ground.