Moto-Cross track up Mt. Loop Hwy Proposal

There is a proposal to build a 75 acre pro moto-cross track just up the Mountain Loop Highway below Mt. Pilchuck. This will negatively impact all non-motorized users of the mountains in this area - noise polution being the biggest problem on nearby Mt. Pilchuck. If you want to help, write the people at the bottom of this letter to the editor (Lake Stevens Journal). You can also visit the web site of the Mountain Loop Conservancy , a group that is working to stop the track:

Dear Editor,
The proposed Motocross Track complex along the Mt. Loop Highway has stirred debate which is important towards the community making the best decision. The proposal can also generate arguments not based in reason and cloud the facts. Here are a few facts:

The proposal involves clearing 75-85 acres of forest. That amount of forest removes approximately 400,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. CO2 is the primary cause of global warming. Approximately 75 riders per day would use the tracks resulting in approximately 600,000 pounds of CO2 being introduced into the atmosphere annually. Net result: a “Carbon Footprint” of over 1,000,000 pounds of CO2 annually.

Long distance from emergency services. This means slow response from Fire and Medical services. The area can become extremely dry during summer months. Virtually all the private forested land in the region is closed to access during those times -- the risk is too great.

Over 4000 motocross riders are injured seriously enough to require hospitalization annually. A rider who is injured on the proposed track would have to “hang on” for over an hour while (1) paramedics are called to the site and (2) determine the injuries are life-threatening and (3) call for a helicopter (4) to transport the victim to the hospital.

Any person, plant or animal within at least a three mile radius would be impacted by the noise and dust.

These are facts that are often not fully weighed until it’s too late. The issue is where to best locate a motocross facility. The promoter has made a poor choice and the County Planners need to know. Contact Erik Olson at Project Manager, Snohomish County PDS, 3000 Rockefeller, Everett, WA 98201, Erik.olson@co.snohomish.wa.us.

Jeff Van Datta, President
Stillaguamish Citizens Alliance

The location is in the clouds at the center botom of this picture

(click for larger version)