Author: Erin Mastine

At the Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association’s Annual Meeting on July 12, Kevin Kelly was presented with the 2025 John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship by NH LAKES, the statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of New Hampshire’s lakes.

Established in 2002, the award honors the legacy of John F. Morten, a key leader in the state’s lake conservation movement. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication, leadership, and impact in lake protection efforts across New Hampshire.

Kevin Kelly, a long-time Lake Kanasatka resident, was nominated by members of his community and officials from state agencies. He was selected for his strong personal commitment to lake health and his broader leadership in community-based landscape protection. His work includes implementing runoff water drainage improvements and continuously seeking practical strategies to reduce pollution. His NH LAKES LakeSmart-certified property is one example of his dedication, but his efforts extend well beyond his own shoreline.

Kevin also mentors other lake associations across the state, generously sharing technical expertise and strategic guidance to empower local volunteers.

“Kevin makes stewardship not just possible, but approachable and inspiring,” said Andrea LaMoreaux, President of NH LAKES. “Thanks to his leadership, volunteers around Lake Kanasatka, and across New Hampshire, are more informed, more engaged, and more empowered.”

Kelly was selected from a pool of exceptional nominees, all recognized for their work to protect and care for their local waters. Other nominees for the 2025 award included: Ted Braun (Silver Lake, Harrisville); Doug Darling (Tucker Pond, Salisbury); Michael Davidson (Lake Massasecum, Bradford); Maria Gross (Conway Lake, Conway); Muriel Ingalls (Kingston Lake, Kingston); Dave and Pat Johnson (Forest Lake, Winchester); Holly Martin (Pleasant Lake, Deerfield/Northwood); Wayne Morrison (Forest Lake, Dalton); John Mullen (Sunrise Lake, Middleton); Scott Powell (Lake Kanasatka, Moultonborough); Wayne Sylvester (Three Ponds, Milton); Paige and Neil Totman (Crystal Lake, Gilmanton); and Ken Weidman (Newfound Lake, Bristol).

Nominations for the 2026 John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship are now open. Community members and organizations are encouraged to nominate individuals who are making a difference in the health and future of New Hampshire’s lakes. Learn more here.