Recognizing a hero of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie

This week, the Seattle P.I. announced Washington's annual Jefferson Awards for volunteer public service, and one of those honored is Mark Boyar, who has spent countless hours working to get the Middle Fork Snoqualmie region cleaned up and protected.

Mark co-founded the Middle Fork Outdoor Recreation Coalition in the mid-90s to coordinate efforts between landowners, land managers, and volunteer organizations to improve conditions in the beautiful 110,000-acre watershed. The valley once had a reputation for crime, shooting, and trash.

Mark's leadership had many results: agencies and volunters worked to clear trash, close some roads, rebuild trails and bridges (including the beautiful bridge over the Middle Fork), and open the $2.1 million Middle Fork campground last year, the first new campground in the I-90 corridor in many years.

Thanks to Mark's tireless efforts, the Mid-Fork area has transformed from a lawless place to a haven for outdoor recreation and wildlife.

Mark also serves as an advisory board member to WTA.

Congratulations to Mark for a well-deserved honor.

Photo of trail bridge over the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River by "Sadie's Driver."