Danny Brocker's case seems complicated but it turns on two simple issues: Court rulings that Brocker must apply for a conditional-use permit to keep riding motocross bikes on his rural property east of Ferndale, and he must allow county officials to see if there are wetlands and a threat to Ten Mile Creek — and pay the fee to file reports from his own private inspectors.

Further, Brocker said he doesn't own the land anymore, but that he's been unable to complete its sale because of the new coronavirus pandemic.

"I never in a million years thought I was going to jail," Brocker told The Bellingham Herald in a phone call from Whatcom County Jail Wednesday, July 22. "It's pretty rough on my family. I've never had my freedom taken away like this."

Karen Frakes, a deputy prosecuting attorney who advises the County Council on legal matters, said no one wanted to see Brocker behind bars.

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