NH LAKES is proud to recognize Shauna Kondrat as the 2026 recipient of the John F. Morten Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship, honoring her exceptional volunteer leadership to protect Big Pea Porridge Pond in Conway and Madison.
When Shauna noticed increasing development and polluted water runoff threatening the health of the pond, she didn’t wait for someone else to act. She brought neighbors together, founded the Big Pea Porridge Pond Watershed Preservation Association, and has spent the past seven years leading efforts to protect the lake for generations to come.
Under Shauna’s leadership, the association has expanded water quality monitoring, promoted lake-friendly shoreline practices, secured state and federal grants to address sediment runoff, and built partnerships among local communities, property owners, and conservation organizations to improve watershed health.
“Shauna embodies the spirit of the John F. Morten Award,” said Andrea LaMoreaux, president of NH LAKES. “Her vision, persistence, and ability to bring people together have created lasting protection for Big Pea Porridge Pond and strengthened the community around it.”
Among Shauna’s many accomplishments are:
- Strengthening the Volunteer Lake Assessment Program by expanding participation and long-term water quality monitoring.
- Promoting NH LAKES’ LakeSmart Program and encouraging shoreline property owners to adopt lake-friendly practices.
- Building partnerships among residents, local organizations, and municipalities to reduce runoff and sediment entering the pond.
- Securing state and federal grant funding to develop and implement a watershed management plan to protect water quality.
- Bringing communities and local partners together to advance practical, long-term solutions for protecting Big Pea Porridge Pond.
Beyond her conservation leadership, Shauna has strengthened the pond community through events that bring neighbors together, including an annual ice-out contest, winter ice-sculpture competitions, and a popular summer concert on the Pond series, where residents enjoy live music from kayaks and boats.
Those who nominated Shauna praised her leadership, dedication, optimism, and remarkable ability to unite people around a shared goal of protecting their lake for future generations.
Shauna, who currently serves as president of the Big Pea Porridge Pond Watershed Preservation Association, was presented with the award at the group’s annual meeting on Saturday, August 15, 2026. True to the collaborative leadership that has defined her work, she immediately shared the recognition with her fellow board members.
“This award is for all of us here on the board of the association,” Shauna said, recognizing the dedicated volunteers she relies on to turn the association’s ideas and plans into action.
The John F. Morten Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship is presented annually by NH LAKES to recognize individuals whose volunteer efforts have made exceptional contributions to the protection and restoration of New Hampshire’s lakes.