2023 “River of the Year” Nominations Open
Public to Vote on Pennsylvania’s Best River…Nominations Accepted from October 24, 2022 through November 18, 2022
Pennsylvania organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2023 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”
The nomination period is open through November 18, 2022 until 5pm. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November.
“For more than two years we have seen an increasing number of people seeking outdoor recreation opportunities and those new users continue to express a desire to spend more time immersed in nature,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “With so many additional people enjoying the outdoors and connecting to the commonwealth’s waterways in droves, recognition of River of the Year continues to grow in value and prestige each year. I look forward to this year’s competition and seeing public support of our beautiful water trails as the people select the Pennsylvania 2023 River of the Year.”
For more information about the River of the Year program, visit www.pawatersheds.org.
To Nominate a River/Waterway, please visit https://pecpa.org/apply
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the ROY winners since 2018.
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 2022 River of the Year is the French Creek.
“POWR is excited to announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2023 River of the Year program. The River of the Year program is one way to highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the Commonwealth’s waterways said POWR representative, Janet Sweeney. As well it gives all Pennsylvanians a chance to support their favorite waterway in friendly competition with others across the Commonwealth.”
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
2022 – French Creek
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
