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The Delaware River is among the nominees for Pennsylvania's 2025 River of the Year, alongside Perkiomen Creek and the Youghiogheny River. Voting is open until January 24, allowing residents to choose their favorite waterway. The Delaware River is celebrated for its historical, recreational, and environmental significance. It played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War and the industrial revolution and is now home to the largest freshwater port in the world. The river has undergone significant restoration efforts, transforming from a heavily polluted waterway to one with numerous National Wild and Scenic designations.
The Delaware River is not only a vital source of drinking water for over 14 million people but also a hub for outdoor recreation, hosting the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The river's nomination highlights its legacy of environmental collaboration and its role in supporting diverse communities and wildlife.
The River of the Year program, administered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) and funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), aims to celebrate Pennsylvania's waterways and raise awareness of conservation needs. The winning river's nominating organization will receive a $10,000 DCNR grant to fund year-long celebrations, including paddling events and community activities.
Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR Secretary, emphasized the importance of the competition in building community pride and highlighting the recreational, cultural, and economic significance of these waterways. Residents can cast their votes online, with one vote permitted per email address.
The annual River of the Year program is part of a series of paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR to promote environmental awareness, recreation, and heritage. For more information and to vote, visit pawatersheds.org.