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Where will Pennsylvania’s next river of the year be found?

The Youghiogheny River, which flows into the Monongahela River east of Pittsburgh, is the centerpiece of Ohiopyle State Park.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently revealed the 4 waterways nominated across the state.

The Catawissa Creek in Columbia, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties; Connoquenessing Creek in Beaver and Butler counties; French Creek in Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Venango counties; and the Monongahela River in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmorland counties are the nominees for 2022.

Nominations were based on each waterway’s conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans if the nominee is voted 2022 River of the Year, according to DCNR.

“The value of our waterways has shined brighter than ever during this pandemic as people have visited Pennsylvania’s river and streams in unprecedented numbers seeking the natural refuge they supply,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of DCNR.

“This annual competition is so much more than a popularity contest. All of our rivers and streams have truly unique attributes, offer incredible recreational opportunities and offer significant boosts to local economies. This competition shares those wonderful attributes and helps build community support around our rivers and streams, showing just how much they have to offer to the public.”

In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices is overseen by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.

The public can vote for a favorite state waterway through Friday, January 14.

A POWR website enables voting and offers details on nominated waterways and the River of the Year program.

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 2021 designation was awarded to the Shenango River.

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 nominating the winning river receives 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.

Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.

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