Concord, N.H., August 6, 2024– NH LAKES recently awarded the 2024 John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship to Bayard Tracy, Chesterfield resident and steward of Spofford Lake in New Hampshire.
Bayard has been a tireless advocate for Spofford Lake. He has served continuously on the Spofford Lake Association Board of Directors for several years in many roles. He has been a mainstay on the water testing committee, written grants for the association, and helped coordinate the Lake Host courtesy boat inspection program. Most notably, Bayard has been instrumental in bringing the lake association and the Town of Chesterfield together to work to restore and preserve the health of Spofford Lake. And, Bayard has partnered directly with NH LAKES to help other communities throughout the state adopt measures to protect lake health.
Bruce Freeman, NH LAKES Board Chair, and Andrea LaMoreaux, NH LAKES President, presented the award saying that Bayard’s nomination received more than 30 letters of support, perhaps the largest number of such in the 20-year history of the award. Beyond all his accomplishments, equally noteworthy was the wide range of letters of support including the Chesterfield Conservation Commission, Town Select Board members, FB Environmental, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, the Spofford Lake Association Board, and friends and residents of Chesterfield.
Tracy said he was truly honored and humbled to receive the award and to be among the leaders in the state looking out for their “home” lakes and the well-being of all waterbodies.
This special award was created in 2002 in honor of the late John F. Morten (1914-1989). It was Mr. Morten’s lifelong work to give generously his time, talents, and financial resources to help protect New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds that he loved so much. He was a person who made things happen—an out-of-the-box thinker, leader, and activist who was organized, determined, and persistent in the achievement of any task. In tribute to his vision, dedication, and commitment, NH LAKES established the John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lakes Stewardship.
For a listing of previous Morten Award recipients, click here.
by Ale Consulting