FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2018
CONTACT: Janet Sweeney, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
PHONE: 570-718-6507
EMAIL: [email protected]
2019 “River of the Year” Nominations Open
Luzerne – Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2019 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”
The nomination period is open through November 9, 2018 and then selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in early November.
“Just like the preceding Rivers of the Year, the Loyalsock Creek now has it swirling around it in 2018 ‐‐ a pronounced pride in a waterway that comes to the forefront with the annual support of this selection process,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “As I have seen year after year, all nominated waterways emerge true winners when the public rallies around them.”
For more information about the River of the Year program or to nominate a river, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org or download the nomination form here. Nominations must be made by Friday, November 9, 2018 at 5 p.m.
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the ROY winners since 2014.
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 2018 River of the Year is the Loyalsock Creek.
“We are excited to once again announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2019 River of the Year program. The River of the Year designation raises the awareness of the importance of the Commonwealth’s waterways”, said Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Director Janet Sweeney. “The River of the Year program engages a broader audience in the appreciation of our rivers and streams, as well as, 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.
To learn more about the River of the Year program, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.
Past Rivers of the Year
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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