2022 Pennsylvania River of the Year nominations are now being accepted through November 15.

"In the past year and a half, we have seen so many people seek outdoor recreation opportunities and express a desire for spending time in the nature around them,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Flowing right through this increased interest are a multitude of activities connected to Pennsylvania’s wealth of rivers and streams. With our waterways being valued more than ever, the recognition of River of the Year carries immense value. With that said, each of the waterways nominated in this annual selection process is a winner because of the pronounced public pride that comes from those who respect, protect, and promote these critical resources."

All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for previous winners since 2017.

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) administers the River of the Year program with funding from the 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. Designations have been presented annually since 1983.

Pennsylvania’s 2021 River of the Year is the Shenango River.  Read more here.

“Our appreciation for spending time outdoors has only deepened over the last year and a half. Being in nature provides a host of mental and physical health benefits. The River of the Year program underscores the importance of our natural resources, especially the Commonwealth’s numerous waterways, to our quality of life” said Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Director Janet Sweeney. “We are excited to once again announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2022 River of the Year program.”

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.

Click Here to nominate a waterway.  For more information, visit the River Of The Year Program webpage.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Related Articles:

-- Shenango River In NW PA Named Pennsylvania 2021 River Of The Year

-- DCNR: Nominate Your Favorite Trail To Be The 2022 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year 

[Posted: October 20, 2021]

10/25/2021