Public to Vote on Pennsylvania’s Best River… Nominations Accepted from October 22, 2019 Through November 15, 2019
Luzerne – Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2020 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”
The nomination period is open through November 15, 2019 and then selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November.
“As I have said throughout past annual selection processes, there may be only one River of the Year but all waterways nominated emerge as true winners,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “All have a pronounced public pride swirling around them that sees waterways protected and promoted by those who respect and enjoy their favorite waters.”
For more information about the River of the Year program or to nominate a river, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org or pawatersheds.org.
Nominations must be made by Friday, November 15, 2019 at 5 p.m.
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the ROY winners since 2015.
About the River of the Year Program
The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) administers the River of the Year program with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Pennsylvania’s River of the Year is an honor designed to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements. River of the Year designations have been presented annually since 1983.
Pennsylvania’s 2019 River of the Year is the Clarion River.
“We are excited to once again announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2020 River of the Year program. The River of the Year program is one way that we can highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the Commonwealth’s waterways. As well as, give all Pennsylvanians a chance to support their favorite waterway in friendly competition with others across the Commonwealth.” said Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Director Janet Sweeney.
After a waterway is chosen, local groups implement a year‐round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a River of the Year Sojourn. The nominating organization of the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year activities.
To learn more about the River of the Year program, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.
Past Rivers of the Year
2019 – Clarion River
2018 – Loyalsock Creek
2017 – Allegheny River
2016 – North Branch Susquehanna River
2015 – Conewango Creek
2014 – Schuylkill River
2013 – Monongahela River
2012 – Stonycreek River
2011 – Delaware River
2010 – Lackawaxen River
2009 – Lower and Middle Susquehanna River
2008 – Youghiogheny River
2007 – Lehigh River
2006 – Three Rivers
2005 – West Branch Susquehanna River
2004 – North Branch Susquehanna River
2003 – French Creek
2002 – Delaware River
2001 – Juniata River
2000 – Kiskiminitas-Conemaugh River
1999 – Schuylkill River
1998 – Youghiogheny River
1997 – Lehigh River
1996 – Tulpehocken Creek
1996 – Clarion River
1995 – Upper Delaware
1995 – Juniata River
1994 – Allegheny River
1994 – Susquehanna River
1993 – Meshoppen Creek
1993 – North Branch and Main Stem Susquehanna River
1992 – Yellow Breeches Creek
1992 – West Branch Susquehanna River
1991 – North Branch Susquehanna River
1991 – Pine Creek
1990 – Catawissa Creek
1989 – Bear Run
1988 – West Branch Susquehanna River
1986 – North Branch Susquehanna River
1983 & 1984 – Clarion River
Contact: Janet Sweeney
jsweeney@pecpa.org
(570) 718‐6507