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