2024 River of the Year Award
By Kate McMahan, AICP

Since 1983, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers have annually announced a River of the Year. The recognition aims to raise awareness of the recreational, ecological, and historical resources related to Pennsylvania’s waterways.  Each fall, nominations are submitted from local organizations interested in becoming River of the Year. The public is invited to vote for their River of the Year selection. The waterway that receives the most votes becomes the River of the Year!

The River of the Year sponsor organization receives a $10,000 grant from DCNR and technical assistance to help them celebrate their waterway. Each River of the Year winner gets a commemorative poster and organizes special activities, events, and at least one paddling trip. These events aim to raise public awareness about:

• Stewardship needs
• Conservation successes
• Natural, cultural, and economic value of the waterway

The 2024 River of the Year nominees are:

• The Lackawaxen River
• The Allegheny River
• The Youghiogheny River

Voting for the 2024 River of the Year is currently open and closes on January 19, 2024. Click here to cast your vote!