Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2014 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”

The nomination period is open through November 14, and then selected nominations will be voted on by the general public beginning in late November.

“It’s great that people are so connected to their rivers – for their beauty, the recreational opportunities they provide, and their importance to our communities,” said Ellen Ferretti, acting secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

“We are asking for nominations and for the fourth year in a row will allow citizens to vote and choose their River of the Year.”

For more information about the River of the Year program or to nominate a river, visit www.pawatersheds.org/grants. Nominations must be made by Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m.

All Pennsylvania Rivers are eligible for nomination, with the exception of winning rivers since 2009.

About the River of the Year Program

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), administers the River of the Year program with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Pennsylvania’s River of the Year is an honor designed to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements. River of the Year designations have been presented annually since 1983.

Pennsylvania’s 2013 River of the Year is the Monongahela River in southwest Pennsylvania.

“The River of the Year program and voting by the general public gives local nonprofit groups the opportunity to engage a broader audience in the appreciation of our rivers and streams,” said Paul King, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, an affiliate of POWR.

“We look forward to once again highlighting the achievements of these local organizations who tirelessly work to protect and promote Pennsylvania rivers.”

After a waterway is chosen, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn. The nominating organization of the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year activities.

The River of the Year sojourn is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR each year. An independent program, the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, is a unique series of a dozen such trips on the state’s rivers. These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers and others raise awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers.

To learn more about the River of the Year program, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.

Past Rivers of the Year

2013 – Monongahela River
2012 – Stonycreek River
2011 – Delaware River
2010 – Lackawaxen River
2009 – Lower and Middle Susquehanna River
2008 – Youghiogheny River
2007 – Lehigh River
2006 – Three Rivers
2005 – West Branch Susquehanna River
2004 – North Branch Susquehanna River
2003 – French Creek
2002 – Delaware River
2001 – Juniata River
2000 – Kiskiminitas-Conemaugh River
1999 – Schuylkill River
1998 – Youghiogheny River
1997 – Lehigh River
1996 – Tulpehocken Creek
1996 – Clarion River
1995 – Upper Delaware
1995 – Juniata River
1994 – Allegheny River
1994 – Susquehanna River
1993 – Meshoppen Creek
1993 – North Branch and Main Stem Susquehanna River
1992 – Yellow Breeches Creek
1992 – West Branch Susquehanna River
1991 – North Branch Susquehanna River
1991 – Pine Creek
1990 – Catawissa Creek
1989 – Bear Run
1988 – West Branch Susquehanna River
1986 – North Branch Susquehanna River
1983 & 1984 – Clarion River