River of the Year Nominations Open in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has opened nominations for the 2026 River of the Year award. This annual competition celebrates Pennsylvania's diverse and beautiful waterways, highlighting their environmental significance and the need for conservation. Nominations are open until Friday, November 21, at 5:00 PM, and organizations across the state can submit their favorite rivers for consideration through the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) website.

According to DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, the competition plays a crucial role in supporting Pennsylvania's $19 billion outdoor recreation economy and raising awareness about the environmental value of rivers and streams. Once a river is selected, the local host will organize a year-long series of events, including the popular River of the Year Sojourn, to celebrate the winning river. The nominating organization will receive a $15,000 grant to support these activities.

All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the past five winners: the Delaware, Allegheny, Susquehanna North Branch, French Creek, and Shenango rivers. Public voting will begin in late November, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Janet Sweeney, a representative from POWR, expressed excitement about the competition, stating that it offers a unique opportunity for Pennsylvanians to support their favorite rivers in a friendly statewide competition.

For more information on how to nominate a river or to learn more about the River of the Year program, visit the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s website.