Press Release - For Immediate Release – July 3, 2025
For Additional Information Contact:
Carter Terenzini, Interim Town Administrator
cterenzini@moultonboroughnh.gov 1.603.476.2347
Moultonborough Man Receives Environmental Award
Moultonborough resident Kevin Kelly was honored with the Ayers-Cotton Environmental Service Award at the recent Lakes Region Planning Commission’s Annual Meeting on June 23rd. Named for two prominent individuals who served as beacons of their communities, this award recognizes those who have persistently worked to maintain and improve the environmental quality of the Lakes Region.
In making the presentation, Executive Board vice-chair Dave Katz noted that “Kevin Kelly’s contributions to water quality monitoring, stormwater remediation, and community engagement have had a lasting positive impact on Lake Kanasatka’s ecosystem. Through decades of volunteer service and leadership, he remains a cornerstone of environmental preservation in the Lakes Region.”
Mr. Kelly has been a dedicated advocate for the environmental health of Lake Kanasatka since the mid-1980s. Serving as a water quality monitor for nearly 40 years, he has taken on numerous leadership roles in the Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association. Mr. Kelly spearheaded the ongoing “Boots on the Ground” initiative in 2023, rallying more than 50 volunteers to complete over 350 hours of drainage and erosion projects.
He has also been instrumental in addressing the cyanobacteria crisis that emerged on Lake Kanasatka in 2020. Kelly’s advocacy included securing town support to implement innovative solutions, and his efforts led to proactive treatment of the lake in 2024. As Chair of the town’s Cyanobacteria Committee, Kevin continues to organize educational programs, promote water quality initiatives, and collaborate with community partners.
Mr. Kevin Quinlan, Chair of the Moultonborough Select Board noted that this is the first time that a Moultonborough volunteer has received the prestigious Ayers-Cotton Environmental Service Award and complimented Mr. Kelly on the power of volunteer efforts. Other Town attendees included Mr. Peter Claypoole, Planning Board Chair; Ms. Sandra Kelly, Planning Board Member, Ms. Marie Samaha, Conservation Commission Chair; Ms. Cristina Ashjian, Heritage Commission Chair and LRPC Commissioner; Mr. Dari Sassan, Town Planner.
photo identifications: Pat Tarpey, President, Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance; Sandra Kelly, Kevin Kelly, Marie Samaha