For the past twenty years, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has annually recognized one Pennsylvania river as the River of the Year. This recognition is done to raise awareness of the important recreational, ecological, and historical resources associated with the state’s rivers and streams.
The River of the Year is celebrated throughout the year. Events have included paddling trips, a speaker series, clean up days, photography contests, and more. Partnerships of community groups organize the events including a Sojourn paddling trip. In addition, POWR coordinates the production and distribution of a free poster celebrating the river.
The Stonycreek River, flowing through Cambria and Somerset counties, has been named the 2012 River of the Year following public, online voting across the state.
The state’s 86,000 stream miles are enjoyed year round through fishing, boating, photography, and other activities. The nearly 400 local watershed associations across Pennsylvania volunteer their time to protect and restored the state’s rivers through clean-up events, speakers, water quality monitoring, fishing derbies, and more.
POWR is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the local watershed association movement in Pennsylvania. Through educational programs and materials, recreational events, and public support for good conservation policy, POWR works to advance watershed protection through the state. It is also a 509a supporting organization of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
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