Our Mission

Plan and implement pathways that bring economic benefits
to Big Bear Valley through the conservation of,
education about and promotion of our extraordinarily unique
and diverse natural habitats, wildlife and resources
.

Sign up to be notified when AN OUTDOOR EVENT IS scheduled.

 

Big Bear Ecotourism Outdoor Adventure Days

Location to be determined: June 22-23, 2024 — See Details

Don’t miss it. Join us.

Thank you for subscribing to the Friends of the Big Bear Valley news.



Your email address is private and will not be shared.

Click anywhere to close.

Sign up and Receive Updates








We are really great at:

Connecting adventurers with eco-friendly fun outdoor adventures
Educating locals and visitors about Big Bear Valley’s unique surroundings
Creating harmony between our businesses and our beautiful surroundings

Austin Distal standing on rocks with lake view in the background

About Us

Big Bear Valley is the 7th most biologically diverse place in the country! In our valley and surrounding mountains, we have habitats and species that do not exist anywhere else the world. It is important to everyone that this be protected and appreciated for all to enjoy.

The Big Bear Valley Ecotourism Coalition was founded and is sponsored by  Friends of Big Bear Valley,  a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 20-0650845).

The Big Bear Valley Ecotourism Coalition (BBVEC) was formed in order to support, encourage and promote ecotourism in Big Bear Valley located in the San Bernardino Mountains within the San Bernardino National Forest of Southern California. Local ecotourism supports our economy while honoring, conserving and appreciating the beautiful and unique natural environment surrounding us.

 The Coalition assembles information on local natural habitats, ecotourism activities, tours, events, recreation, and sustainably-run local  green business partners.

Through our annual Outdoor Adventure Days, this website, and booklets, we use this information to promote Ecotourism and direct our visitors to the various Ecotourism activities and adventures in our Valley.  This also gives our local green business partners the opportunity to bring attention to their individual contributions in maintaining our unique mountain environment.

Ecotourism combines Conservation, Profits and Locals

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism promotes travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Ecotourism has a positive impact on both natural areas and the local community.

Principles of Ecotourism

  • Minimize impact
  • Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
  • Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
  • Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
  • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
  • Raise sensitivity to host area’s environment

Coalition Participants

Friends of Big Bear Valley
Leafs  for Wellness Foundation
Holcomb Valley Ranch
Big Bear Events Office
City of Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County
California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
U.S. Forest Service, Mountaintop District
Big Bear Discovery Center
Big Bear Visitor’s Bureau
Trails Foundation
Sierra Club, Big Bear Group
Big Bear Valley Education Trust
Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear Chamber of Commerce
San Bernardino Mountains Lake Trust
plus individual local residents