Pennsylvania residents have the opportunity to vote for their favorite waterway in the running for the state’s 2025 River of the Year designation. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opened online voting on Dec. 9, 2024, and it will continue through Jan. 24, 2025.
The three nominees are the Delaware River, Youghiogheny River and Perkiomen Creek.
“These three rivers are remarkable examples of Pennsylvania’s rich natural heritage,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn in a press release. “This competition not only highlights their unique qualities but also builds community pride and emphasizes their recreational, cultural and economic importance. I can’t wait to see which waterway earns the 2025 title.”
The Delaware River is the longest undammed river in the Eastern U.S. and forms part of the Pennsylvania-New York-New Jersey border. The Youghiogheny River is known for its recreational qualities and flows from the Laurel Highlands into West Virginia. Perkiomen Creek, a 37.7-mile tributary of the Schuylkill River, travels through Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties in the southeastern part of the state.
Voting is open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. There is a limit of one vote per email address.
The winning river’s nominating organization will receive a $10,000 DCNR grant to host a year of paddling events and community activities. A commemorative poster will also be created in its honor.
Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers (POWR) administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR.
“We are excited to once again kick off the public online voting process for Pennsylvania River of the Year,” said Janet Sweeney of POWR in a press release. “As we all continue to spend more time outdoors and deepen our appreciation for the beautiful natural resources of Pennsylvania, the annual River of the Year voting process is a fun way to rally behind and support your favorite waterway.”
This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.
