The Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania has been selected by a public vote as the Commonwealth’s 2025 River of the Year, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Janet Sweeney of the Pennsylvania Organization for Waterways and Rivers (POWR) announced.
“The Delaware River is a conservation triumph, and we are excited to remind people of its historic, cultural, and recreational value as we celebrate it as Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year,” Secretary Dunn said. “The Delaware is a great example of how we can work together to ensure a healthy river connected to the economies of communities along its banks.”
The iconic Delaware River marks Washington’s crossing, the turning point of the Revolutionary War; it was crucial in the industrial revolution; and now the Delaware River Port is the largest freshwater port in the world. More than 14 million people depend on the Delaware River for drinking water. The river itself is a triumph of collaborative conservation efforts as the waterway was once so polluted that it turned the hulls of ships dark brown.
The now-restored river holds more National Wild and Scenic designations than any other river and is home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one of the top 20 most visited National Park areas in the country. Currently, many of the tributaries of the Delaware River are under study to become nationally protected under the Wild & Scenic program as well.
The public was invited to vote online for the River of the Year, casting a total of 8,037 votes. The Delaware River receiving 2,962, the Youghiogheny 2,784 and the Perkiomen Creek 2,291. The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) oversees administration of the vote and works in partnership with DCNR.
“POWR would like to commend everyone for their support of the nominated rivers, especially for the strong showing of support for the Delaware River,” Sweeney said. “The River of the Year program continues to engage our communities by providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the nominated rivers. The Delaware River as Pennsylvania’s River of the Year, will be celebrated for its rich history, natural beauty, and ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this incredible resource for future generations.”
The Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition nominated the Delaware River and will receive a $15,000 Leadership Grant to help fund a slate of year-long 2025 River of the Year activities. DCNR and POWR will work with them to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Delaware River as the 2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year. The organization and its partners will celebrate the power of collaboration with the Delaware River Sojourn which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.
“The Delaware River’s recognition as Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year is a testament to the power of partnerships in conserving and celebrating this incredible waterway,” said Mark Zakutansky, of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chair of the Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee. “From its pristine headwaters to its Wild & Scenic lower reaches and tidal waters, the Delaware River brings together communities, organizations, and agencies committed to protecting and enjoying its beauty. We invite everyone to paddle its waters, discover its rich history, and join a vibrant community of river stewards.”
The Delaware River was voted Pennsylvania’s River of the Year twice in 2002 and 2011, and the Upper Delaware was selected the 1995 River of the Year.
The Shapiro Administration remains committed to protecting the Commonwealth’s natural resources, including clean water. Administered by DCNR, Pennsylvania’s Rivers Conservation Program helps support initiatives that benefit all types of waterways and significant water resources including:
- Grants for projects to restore and protect rivers and watersheds
- Scenic Rivers
- Rivers Registry
- River of the Year and sojourns
- Water trails
A wide range of activities are being planned to celebrate the Delaware River as the 2025 PA River of the Year. Check back soon for additional Information on those activities.
