EVERETT – The former MXGP motocross track in Monroe might be rebuilt in the rural forests northeast of Granite Falls under new rules approved by the Snohomish County Council.

The council voted 5-0 on Wednesday to open up some commercial forest lands for future motocross tracks if organizers can obtain permits, provide buffers and meet noise standards.

After the vote, MXGP owner Gary Strode raised his arms in victory after the vote.

“It’s like winning the World Series,” said Strode, 38. “It’s a big win for the motorcycle community.”

The county forced Strode to close his MXGP racetrack in Monroe last year because it had been built without permits. He tried to build a track in Maltby, but he ran into neighborhood opposition and zoning restrictions.

“We definitely want to go to a place where we’re wanted,” Strode said.

The council voted to make 149 square miles of commercial forest available for motocross tracks.

County officials said siting restrictions will allow only two or three tracks to be built in the county. Sites will have to be within four miles of a city and each track must be 15 miles apart, the rules say.

Strode said he plans to apply for county permits next month to build a motocross track on part of 450 acres of commercial forest northeast of Granite Falls. Strode said he plans to use the county’s maximum allowed 75 acres for the track, and county rules will protect the rest of the forest.

Strode wouldn’t yet say where the track will go on the land.

Strode praised councilmen Dave Somers and John Koster for their support of the sport. Strode said government more often closes motorcycle tracks.

“Nobody ever changed laws for motorcycling,” Strode said. “Nothing new has ever opened up for motorcycling. We’re really, really excited about the opportunity.”

Strode said he spent $200,000 trying to build at the Maltby site without success.

Granite Falls Mayor Lyle Romack said he backs Strode’s latest plans.

“It’ll be a big boost for our community,” Romack said. With a large motocross track nearby, Romack said, he sees additional bike shops, restaurants and hotels in Granite Falls.

“That’s where Granite Falls is heading,” he said.

It’s not easy to make room for motocross tracks and other activities as the county’s population grows, Somers said.

“I think it’s important we carefully find a place for these activities while respecting other activities like commercial forestry,” Somers said.

Snohomish County has the second-highest number of registered ATV and off-road motorcycle owners in the state, the Department of Licensing has said. Of 99,236 registered statewide in 2004, King County has the most with 18,675, followed by Snohomish County with 10,718.

Dirt bike riders heavily lobbied the council, arguing that without a track in Snohomish County, thousands of riders have to drive hundreds of miles to use facilities. The closest tracks are Bellingham and Kent.

Koster said the months spent carefully drafting the rules paid off.

“It’s great to see all these little kids on bikes,” he said. “It’s a great sport for families.”

Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.