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Supporting Big Bear’s 4th of July Tradition with Stewardship at the Center

Dear Visit Big Bear Members and Partners,

As many of you know, Big Bear’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular has become part of a larger public conversation due to concerns about Jackie, Shadow, Sandy, Luna, and the bald eagles that are so deeply loved by our community and followed by people across the country.

Visit Big Bear respects that passion. We also share it. Big Bear’s wildlife, lake, forest, and open spaces are part of what makes this place special, and stewardship remains central to our work as a destination and as a community.

At this time, Visit Big Bear is moving forward with the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular. This decision has not been made lightly. The fireworks show is a long-standing community tradition and an important economic driver for our local businesses, workers, restaurants, lodging properties, recreation providers, and families.

That context is especially important this year. Big Bear has experienced another low-to-no snow winter, and many of our neighbors, employees, and small businesses have felt that impact directly. Our tourism ecosystem is fragile too, and the Fourth of July holiday is part of the broader effort to help our community recover heading into the summer season.

This is not a choice between caring for wildlife and caring for local families. We believe Big Bear can and must do both.

A few important facts we
want members to know

· The fireworks display is professionally managed and launched from a barge over Big Bear Lake.

· According to a Google Earth measurement reviewed by Visit Big Bear, the fireworks barge is approximately 2.0 miles from the Jackie and Shadow nest area.

· Prior-year eagle cam footage shows the fireworks occurring at a significant distance from the nest, which provides helpful context for those who may assume the show is happening directly next to the nest.

· The show requires coordination among multiple agencies, public safety partners, and event stakeholders, including the fireworks provider, local fire safety authorities, lake operations, law enforcement, emergency response partners, the City, Rotary, and Visit Big Bear.

· The show is scheduled to finish in under 30 minutes.

· Visit Big Bear is working with the fireworks provider to reduce the loudest booms where possible.

· Personal fireworks remain illegal throughout Big Bear Valley.

· Clean-up efforts take place following the show.

Big Bear has coexisted with its wildlife, including bald eagles, for generations. That responsibility is not new to this community. It is part of living here, working here, raising families here, welcoming visitors here, and caring for this place year-round.

We deeply respect those who have come to love Big Bear’s eagles through the eagle cam. At the same time, the daily responsibility of coexistence rests with the local community — the residents, businesses, conservation partners, volunteers, public agencies, and organizations who live with these decisions every day.

We are asking our members and community partners to help keep this conversation respectful, factual, and grounded in stewardship. If you choose to speak publicly or respond to guests, please help reinforce the following message:

Big Bear can love its wildlife, protect its natural environment, support its local economy, and responsibly celebrate the 4th of July.

Thank you for standing with our community, supporting our local economy, and helping protect both the traditions and values that make Big Bear special.

Further fireworks inquires (from members, visitors or concerned citizens) can be sent to: fireworks@bigbear.com

Sincerely, Travis Scott

CEO, Visit Big Bear