The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Pennsylvania River of the Year.  Nominations are due October 28.

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 2016 River of the Year is the North Branch Susquehanna River in northeast Pennsylvania.

POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“This nomination process stands as solid proof of just how blessed Pennsylvanians are with a wealth of major rivers and streams, and people willing to work hard to support and improve them,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resource Secretary Cindy Adam Dunn. “Showcased in these nominated waterways are so many unique natural resources, recreational opportunities and incentives boosting local economies.”

“We are excited to once again announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2017 River of the Year program,” said PA Environmental Council President, Davitt Woodwell.  “The River of the Year program is one way that we can highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the Commonwealth’s waterways. As well as, give 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.

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.

The nomination period is open through October 28, 2016 and then selected nominations will be voted on by the general public beginning in early November.

All Pennsylvania Rivers are eligible for nomination, with the exception of winning rivers since 2012.

For all the details and the nomination form, visit the Pennsylvania River of the Year website.  Direct questions to Janet Sweeney, PEC, by calling 570-718-6507 or send email to: jsweeney@pecpa.org.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook.  Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts.  Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.

10/10/2016