2021 “River of the Year” Nominations Open

For Immediate Release

October 19, 2020

Contact: Janet Sweeney

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (570) 718-6507

 

2021 “River of the Year” Nominations Open

Public to Vote on Pennsylvania’s Best River

Nominations Accepted from October 19, 2020 Through November 16, 2020

 

Luzerne – Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2021 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”

The nomination period is open through November 16, 2020 until 5pm. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November.

“During these most difficult times, never have we seen so many seeking out the natural resources around them, and flowing right through this newfound interest are so many activities connected to Pennsylvania’s wealth of rivers and streams,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “All our waterways now are valued more importantly, and all nominated in this annual selection process emerge as true winners. All have a pronounced public pride swirling around them that sees waterways protected and promoted by those who respect and enjoy them.”

For more information about the River of the Year program, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org or 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 2016.

 

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 2020 River of the Year is the Lackawanna River.

“We are excited to once again announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2021 River of the Year program. During this trying time, we have all deepened our appreciation for the outdoors and the many benefits found through spending time in nature. The River of the Year program underscores the importance of our natural resources through highlighting both the opportunities as well as the challenges facing the Commonwealth’s waterways” said Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Director Janet Sweeney.

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:

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

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About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is a statewide organization that brings people, government, and business together to find real-world solutions for environmental challenges. These solutions bring about sustainable communities, protect our water resources, and address energy and climate issues. PEC was founded in 1970 and serves the entire state through offices in Luzerne, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College.