Franklin Resident wins NH LAKES 2019 John F. Morten Award for Exemplary Lakes Stewardship
Mark Lorenze receives the organization’s most prestigious award
Concord, N.H., August 6, 2019 – Mark Lorenze, resident of Franklin and long-time steward of Webster Lake, was recently awarded the 2019 John F. Morten Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship. On August 3, Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice-President of NH LAKES, along with Shirley Green, NH LAKES Board Member, presented this prestigious award to Mark at the Webster Lake Association annual meeting.
In September 2002, a special award was created in honor of the late John F. Morten (1914-1989). It was Mr. Morten’s lifelong work, giving generously of 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. It is in tribute to his vision, dedication, and commitment that NH LAKES established the John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lakes Stewardship.
“Volunteer lake stewardship, in all its forms, is how we keep our lakes clean and healthy for future generations,” said NH LAKES Board Chair, Stu Lord. “There are many people doing great work on a voluntary basis at many of New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes. Mark’s commitment to Webster Lake has spanned years and has included every conceivable role. He truly is the go-to person at Webster Lake, and, in our eyes, most deserving of the 2019 John F. Morten Award.”
The people who volunteer alongside Mark at Webster Lake, and nominated him for the award, had this to say: “Mark does it all, making sure that we are collecting water samples and monitoring lake health, checking the lake for invasive plants, serving as volunteer Lake Hosts educating boaters about the importance preventing the spread of invasive species, working with Franklin town officials on runoff water issues, getting grants to do a septic survey, raising money and helping build recreation facilities, and holding community events at the lake. He is either doing the work or helping someone get it done.”
Tom O’Brien, NH LAKES President added, “Once again, we had the challenge of choosing the best from the best of New Hampshire’s volunteer lake stewards. Mark Lorenze’s commitment to Webster Lake and the Franklin community has spanned years and is truly exemplary. He is most deserving of our most prestigious award.”
For a listing of previous Morten Award recipients, visit nhlakes.org/awards.
NH LAKES is the only statewide, member-supported nonprofit organization working to ensure that our lakes remain clean and healthy, now and in the future. The organization works with partners, promote clean water policies and responsible use, and inspires the public to care for our lakes. For more information, visit nhlakes.org, email info@nhalkes.org, or call 603.226.0299
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Mark Lorenze (right), was awarded the 2019 John F. Morten Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship by NH LAKES Board Member Shirley Green (center) and NH LAKES Vice President Andrea LaMoreaux (left) on August 3.