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