Big Bear Lake planning commission gives green light to motocross application at Bear Mountain

On Feb. 19 the Big Bear Lake Planning Commission directed staff to accept an application from promoter Aaron Cook to begin the permitting process for a proposed three-day motocross Grand Prix at Bear Mountain.

The proposal, presented by Cook, calls for a Friday practice day followed by races on Saturday and Sunday, an initial rider field of roughly 700 entrants and estimated daily attendance of 1,500 to 2,000 people. Cook said organizers will confine operations to previously disturbed areas on private land controlled by Snow Summit LLC, provide shuttles from the lower parking lot, limit upper-lot parking to vehicles carrying motorcycles, and meet insurance and sound requirements set by the resort.

Cook said, "I'm more than confident I can achieve all of their requirements, including the insurance." He told the commission the event would start smaller in year one and that his group has experience running about 23 events annually.

Why it matters: Commissioners and members of the public said the race could bring visitors, hotel stays and business for Big Bear Lake, but they also stressed the need for detailed outreach, sound mitigation and environmental review because residential…