Eagles Are Keeping Out Condos, for Now
An enclave of bald eagles has thwarted construction of a massive condominium complex for now in the rustic Big Bear Lake hamlet of Fawnskin.
As many as 14 of the majestic birds have made a seasonal home in the branches of the forested glen overlooking the site where developer Irving Okovita wants to build a 133-unit condominium complex and 175-slip marina.
But bald eagles may come off the federally endangered species list by year's end, a move that could allow construction to proceed. That concerns some residents, who fear that the Okovita development and others could imperil overtaxed aquifers that supply water to tinder-dry mountain communities, like this one, that barely escaped last fall's raging forest fires.
Underlying the controversy is a building boom fueled by low interest rates and pent-up demand for vacation homes, say developers and water officials. Yet, at a time when there are more building permits being issued than there are available water connections, some officials are worried about the impact on the drought-stricken region.
Big Bear Valley Community Services, which serves a portion of the region, is limiting water connections to 96 per year.
"If the water shortage gets more severe, we'll ratchet down even further," said water manager Gary Keller.
"I'm not happy about the building boom," he said. "But people have private property rights. Besides that, as water purveyors, it's not our job to control building. It's our job to provide water."
That kind of talk disturbs high-country residents like 93-year-old Tom Core, a Big Bear Valley historian.
"What we need to do is stop construction right now," he said. "Springs that flowed all my life have recently gone bone dry. What's happening here is a disaster, and it shouldn't be allowed."
Todd Murphy, who serves on several Big Bear Valley volunteer boards, agreed.
"What we're seeing is a lack of understanding that you just can't build out like this without serious consequences," he said.
Murphy is leading a petition drive aimed at creating a new formula for growth in the region. The petition calls for a moratorium on growth any time there are water restrictions.
Current restrictions forbid outdoor watering from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and require immediate repair of all leaking waterlines and faucets. Water from landscape irrigation is not allowed to run into the street, and new landscaping is limited to 1,000 square feet of turf.
