Other contenders for 2017 Pennsylvania River of the Year, along with the middle and upper Allegheny, are Brandywine, Loyalhanna and Perkiomen creeks.
“There is a spirit of good-natured competition surrounding this selection process that rallies community support around our deserving waterways and puts them in the public limelight,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary.
“These nominated rivers and streams showcase so many unique natural resources, recreational opportunities and incentives boosting local economies. They also show just how blessed this state is with its wealth of major rivers and streams, and committed folks willing to support them,” Dunn said.
Nominations were based on each waterway’s conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2017 River of the Year.
The winning waterway will be selected by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and the DCNR.
Public voting for 2017 River of the Year is ongoing through 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19. Votes may be cast online at www.pariveroftheyear.org.
“The online public selection process continues to be increasingly popular as it enters its seventh year,” Dunn said.
POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented annually since 1983, this year’s 2016 designation was awarded to the Susquehanna River North Branch.
After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn.
The organization that nominates the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant from DCNR to help fund River of the Year activities.
POWR and DCNR also work with local organizations to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the River of the Year.
