2022 “River of the Year” Nominations Open
Public to Vote on Pennsylvania’s Best River…Nominations Accepted from October 19, 2021 through November 15, 2021
Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2022 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”
The nomination period is open through November 15, 2021 until 5pm. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November.
In the past year and a half, we have seen so many people seek outdoor recreation opportunities and express a desire for spending time in the nature around them,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Flowing right through this increased interest are a multitude of activities connected to Pennsylvania’s wealth of rivers and streams. With our waterways being valued more than ever, the recognition of River of the Year carries immense value. With that said, each of the waterways nominated in this annual selection process is a winner because of the pronounced public pride that comes from those who respect, protect, and promote these critical resources.
To Nominate a River/Waterway, please visit https://pecpa.org/apply
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the ROY winners since 2017.
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 2021 River of the Year is the Shenango River.
“Our appreciation for spending time outdoors has only deepened over the last year and a half. Being in nature provides a host of mental and physical health benefits. The River of the Year program underscores the importance of our natural resources, especially the Commonwealth’s numerous waterways, to our quality of life” said Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Director Janet Sweeney. “We are excited to once again announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2022 River of the Year program.”
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.
Past Rivers of the Year
2021 – Shenango River
2020 – Lackawanna River
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
