Neshaminy Creek Nominated as Pa. River of the Year

A Bucks County waterway has been nominated as a Pennsylvania River of the Year, the state Department of Conservation and National Resources announced this week.

The Neshaminy Creek is one of five nominations for the 2015 Pennsylvania River of the Year contest. Online voting is now open. You can cast your vote at www.pariveroftheyear.org through Dec. 15.

Other nominations include the Conewango Creek, Lackawanna River, Loyalhanna Creek and the Ohio River.

“These nominated waterways showcase so many unique natural resources and recreational opportunities,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti. “They demonstrate just how blessed Pennsylvanians are with this wealth of major rivers and streams and how so many are willing to support them.”

Nominations were based on each waterway’s conservation needs and successes, the DCNR said.

After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups plan activities and events to celebrate the river. A $10,000 leadership grant is given to the nominating organization to help fund River of the Year activities.

The Schuylkill River won the 2014 River of the Year contest. “Having the Schuylkill named River of the Year gave the SRGA the opportunity to reconnect the public with the river,” said Schuylkill River Greenway Association Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. “The honor highlighted the value the Schuylkill has to the region historically, recreationally, and as a beautiful and vital natural resource.”