Volunteers Needed For Eagle Count In Local Mountains

Volunteers are needed to help the Forest Service count bald eagles in the San Jacinto Mountians and the San Bernardino National Forest.

The counts will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 10 at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, and Lake Hemet. This year we have added Lake Perris State Park Recreation Area, according to parks spokesman John Miller.

Volunteers will be stationed at vantage points around the lakes, where they map and note any eagle observations during an hour-long period. 

“Through this method, the Forest Service has acquired information about areas eagles use and fluctuations in population numbers,” said Forest Service wildlife biologist Marc Stamer. “There’s no experience needed for volunteers and this is a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of our breath-taking national symbol.”

No experience is needed, and volunteers should dress warmly and bring binoculars and a watch.

• Big Bear Lake area volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive. Contact Robin Eliason (reliason@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2832) for more information.
• Lake Arrowhead volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Sky Forest Ranger Station. Contact Robin Eliason (reliason@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2832) for more information.
• Silverwood Lake State Park volunteers should contact the park office for information during business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 760-389-2281, and plan to meet at the Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. 
• Lake Hemet volunteers should plan on meeting at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store at 8:30 a.m. for instructions. Contact Ann Poopatanapong (apoopatanapong@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2935) for more information.
• Lake Perris State Park volunteers should contact the park office for information at 951-940-5600, and plan to meet at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum.