LANCASTER, PA — The Conestoga River has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year, a designation expected to bring additional tourism, recreation and conservation attention to the 61-mile southeastern Pennsylvania waterway after a statewide public vote.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Lancaster County on Wednesday to formally recognize the river, which flows from its headwaters in Berks County to the Susquehanna River below Safe Harbor Dam. The honor was awarded after the Conestoga River received the most public votes, surpassing the Lower Schuylkill River and Chillisquaque Creek.
The designation carries financial support for local programming. The Conestoga River Club, which nominated the river, will receive a $15,000 leadership grant to fund activities and events associated with the year-long recognition in 2026.
“The Conestoga River is a great example of what can happen when we prioritize clean, healthy waterways,” Dunn said, noting the role conservation efforts have played in supporting recreation and economic activity along the river corridor.
The River of the Year program is administered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers in partnership with DCNR. Organizers said the annual competition is intended to highlight waterways that contribute to local economies, recreation and environmental stewardship efforts across the Commonwealth.
Stretching through Lancaster County’s agricultural and historic landscapes, the Conestoga is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. The watershed drains hundreds of square miles of farmland, towns and suburban communities, creating both recreational opportunities and environmental management challenges.
Tom Gilbert, president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, said the recognition highlights both the river’s historic significance and ongoing restoration efforts.
“The River of the Year program continues to engage communities across Pennsylvania by highlighting the unique stories and value of our waterways,” Gilbert said.
Conestoga River Club Executive Director Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck said the designation coincides with Lancaster Water Week and will help draw attention to the river’s role in the county’s history and future. The organization also dedicated the 2026 recognition to future generations and to the memory of journalist and environmental advocate Ad Crable, according to event organizers.
Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo said the river remains important to the city as both a source of drinking water and a recreational asset. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey also cited ongoing watershed improvements that support habitat restoration, reduce sediment impacts and benefit downstream communities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The recognition comes as Pennsylvania continues to emphasize outdoor recreation as an economic development strategy. According to DCNR, the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreation economy generates $20.4 billion annually, supports approximately 177,000 jobs and produces $9.5 billion in wages.
The Conestoga is one of 29 designated water trails in Pennsylvania and will be featured in a series of River of the Year activities throughout 2026. A commemorative poster and additional programming are planned as part of the celebration.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.