From staff reports
The Clarion River, a designated Wild and Scenic River that draws legions of anglers, paddlers and other outdoors enthusiasts throughout the seasons, has been voted the state’s 2019 River of the Year.
The public was invited to vote online, choosing from among four waterways nominated across the state. Results were announced jointly Wednesday by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Waterways and Rivers (POWR).
Other waterways nominated were Conodoguinet Creek, Delaware River and Lackawanna River.
A total of 14,790 votes were cast with the Clarion River receiving 5,850; Delaware River, 4,748; Lackawanna River, 2,852; and Conodoguinet Creek, 1,340.
The DCNR and POWR will work with the Allegheny Watershed Improvement Needs Coalition to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Clarion River as the river of the year.
The POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented annually since 1983, the 2018 River of the Year designation was awarded to Loyalsock Creek in north central Pennsylvania.
To learn more about the River of the Year program, the nominated waterways and past winners, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.