Press Release by PA DCNR Pressroom on 12/09/2024

​Vote now through January 24, 2025, to choose Pennsylvania’s next top river

Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today invited the public to vote for Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year.

Online voting is open now through January 24, 2025, allowing Pennsylvanians to choose from three nominated waterways: the Delaware River, Youghiogheny River, and Perkiomen Creek.

“These three rivers are remarkable examples of Pennsylvania’s rich natural heritage,” said Secretary Dunn. “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.”

About the Nominees 

  • Delaware River: The longest undammed river in the Eastern U.S., forming part of Pennsylvania’s border with New York and New Jersey.
  • Youghiogheny River: A hub for water recreation, flowing from the Laurel Highlands into West Virginia.
  • Perkiomen Creek: A 37.7-mile tributary of the Schuylkill River, stretching through Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties.

The River of the Year program, administered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) with funding from DCNR, celebrates Pennsylvania’s waterways while raising awareness of conservation needs.

How to Vote
Voting is open now through 5:00 PM on Friday, January 24, 2025. Votes can be cast online at the POWR website, with details on each nominee and the River of the Year program. One vote per email address is permitted.

“We are excited to once again kick off the public online voting process for Pennsylvania River of the Year,” said Janet Sweeney, of POWR. “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.”

The winning river’s nominating organization will receive a $10,000 DCNR grant to fund year-long celebrations, including paddling events and community activities. A commemorative poster will also be created to honor the 2025 River of the Year.

The annual River of the Year sojourn is part of a larger series of paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR to promote environmental awareness, recreation, and heritage.
Learn more about the sojourns at pawatersheds.org.

Visit DCNR’s website to learn more about the Rivers Program,
and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wesley Robinson, 717-877-6315