BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Delaware River has been named Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year.
The river secured the most votes in a public competition by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Organization for Waterways and Rivers.
The contest opened in early December and ran through Jan. 24. The winner was announced Thursday.
"... The Delaware River is a shining example of how communities can work together to protect and restore vital natural resources."Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn
It's the third time the Delaware River has won the competition. It also snagged the title in 2002 and 2017.
"The Delaware River is a conservation success story, and this designation is a testament to its historical, cultural and recreational significance," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
"From providing drinking water to millions to fueling economic growth and offering outdoor recreation, the Delaware River is a shining example of how communities can work together to protect and restore vital natural resources."
The public has spoken
Of the 8,037 total public votes, the Delaware River got 2,962.
Second was the Youghiogheny River, with 2,784, and third was Perkiomen Creek, with 2,291, according to a DCNR release.
POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the annual vote in partnership with DCNR.
The Delaware River has played a pivotal role in American history:
- It's the site of George Washington’s famous crossing in 1776 — the turning point of the Revolutionary War
- It was crucial in driving the Industrial Revolution
- Today, the Delaware River Port is the largest freshwater port in the world
- More than 14 million people rely on the river for drinking water.
Once heavily polluted to the point where ship hulls darkened from the contamination, the river has since undergone a dramatic recovery and now boasts more National Wild and Scenic designations than any other river.
'Model of ecological restoration'
"The River of the Year program is an opportunity to highlight the beauty, history and ongoing conservation efforts surrounding Pennsylvania’s waterways," POWR's Janet Sweeney said.
"The Delaware River stands out not only for its role in American history, but also for its transformation into a model of ecological restoration and stewardship."
The river is home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, among the Top 20 most-visited national park areas in the country.
Additionally, many of its tributaries are currently under study for national protection under the Wild & Scenic Rivers program.
As the winning river, its nominating organization, the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition will get a $15,000 grant to fund yearlong celebrations.
Those include paddling events and community activities, as well as a commemorative poster.
