Contact: Janet Sweeney
Date: Sept. 25, 2015
Phone: (570) 718-6507
Email: [email protected]
Luzerne – Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2016 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”
The nomination period is open through Oct. 23, 2015 and then selected nominations will be voted on by the general public beginning in early November (See below for nomination form).
“These nominations demonstrate how so many waterways groups and individual supporters know and respect the many unique natural resources and recreational opportunities our wealth of stream and rivers represent,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “They demonstrate just how willing Pennsylvanians are to support, protect and enhance them.”
For more information about the River of the Year program or to nominate a river, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org. Nominations must be made by Friday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m.
All Pennsylvania Rivers are eligible for nomination, with the exception of winning rivers since 2011.
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 DCNR. 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 2015 River of the Year is the Conewango Creek in Northwest Pennsylvania.
“Once again, Pennsylvanians get the chance to push for their favorite waterway in friendly competition with others across the Commonwealth,” said Davitt Woodwell, President of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. “With over 83,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state from which to choose, it is always fun to see folks come forward and advocate for their selection.”
After a waterway is chosen, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn. The nominating organization of the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund its River of the Year activities.
The River of the Year sojourn is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR each year. An independent program, the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, is a unique series of a dozen such trips on the state’s rivers. These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers, and others raise awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism, and heritage values of rivers.
To learn more about the River of the Year program, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.
Past Rivers of the Year
- 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
###