News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Moonridge Animal Park Relocation Endorsed (Update)

Moonridge Animal Park Relocation Endorsed (Update)

Slated to Move Next Door to Big Bear Discovery Center

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Update - Wednesday 4 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA - The Moonridge Animal Park Relocation project, which will relocate the park to a site near the Big Bear Discovery Center, has been endorsed by the Big Bear Lake City Council.

Council members authorized Mayor Rick Herrick to send a letter to Recreation Supervisor Paul Bennett expressing support of the move to larger quarters.

Moonridge Animal Park in Big Bear. (Photo by Moonridge Animal Park.)

Herrick's letter will state that the City of Big Bear Lake has no significant issues with the relocation plan.

The letter, approved by Herrick and the council, stated, "Unfortunately, due to its own success, the animal park has outgrown its current location, and most now consider a site outside our city limits."

Citizens are advised the Moonridge Animal Park Relocation DEIS, project summary, and detailed instructions for comments, are available for on-line viewing at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/projects/moonridge.shtml.

Original Story

Big Bear Lake, CA - San Bernardino National Forest officials have completed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Moonridge Animal Park Relocation project. This DEIS has been prepared to address the County of San Bernardino's Department of Parks and Recreation's proposal to relocate the Moonridge Animal Park to a site on National Forest land. This land is adjacent to the Big Bear Discovery Center, near the north shore of Big Bear Lake.

The Moonridge Animal Park is currently located on private land, in the Moonridge area of Big Bear Valley, and the Parks and Recreation District's lease expires in February 2010. The District looked at several potential locations for the animal park, and determined that the area adjacent to the Big Bear Discovery Center best met their needs.

The Parks and Recreation District has applied for a special use permit to build and maintain the new animal park, and associated facilities, on approximately 27 acres. If approved, the permit would be issued for a 20-year term.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is located in Fawnskin. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Facilities at the proposed site would include; zoological and botanical gardens, animal exhibits, an education center and classrooms, as well as an animal hospital and rehabilitation center. Additional amenities would include retail and concession buildings, restrooms, support buildings, and paved parking for visitors and staff.

The Forest Service is asking for the public to examine the details of the project, including the measures designed to protect resources, and/or to alleviate potential problems that they may be concerned about. The release of the DEIS begins a second, and more formal, comment period. During this period all public comments will considered in order to produce a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and a Record of Decision.

The Moonridge Animal Park Relocation DEIS, project summary, and detailed instructions for the public's comments, are available for on-line viewing at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/projects/moonridge.shtml.

If you have additional questions about the project at this time, you may contact Recreation Officer Paul Bennett at the Big Bear office, at (909) 382-2819.

The Big Bear Parks & Recreation District office is located at 41220 Park Ave, Big Bear Lake.