EAST STROUDSBURG, PA — The Delaware River has been named Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year, an honor celebrated last week at a community festival at Minisink Park in Monroe County. Hosted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Waterways and Rivers (POWR), the event coincided with the 30th annual Delaware River Sojourn and featured a day of river-centered activities, including paddling, live music, and educational exhibits.
“This recognition showcases the Delaware River’s power to connect communities and inspire conservation,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Our waterways offer not only recreation but also vital links to history and nature.”
The Delaware River’s selection marks its third time receiving the accolade, following prior honors in 2002 and 2011. Once one of the nation’s most polluted rivers, it has undergone a remarkable transformation and now holds more National Wild and Scenic designations than any other river in the country. It supplies drinking water to more than 14 million people and is home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one of the most-visited national park sites in the United States.
The River of the Year honor is awarded through public voting. This year, 8,037 votes were cast, with the Delaware River securing 2,962 votes to claim the title. Runners-up included the Youghiogheny River and Perkiomen Creek, which received 2,784 and 2,291 votes, respectively.
Key to the celebration was a $15,000 Leadership Grant awarded to the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition to fund events and outreach along the river throughout the year.
POWR Chair Janet Sweeney emphasized the significance of the recognition, stating, “The River of the Year program continues to celebrate the rich stories of Pennsylvania’s waterways while highlighting the dedication of those working to protect these invaluable resources.”
The Shapiro Administration has underscored its commitment to conserving the state’s waterways, exemplified through DCNR’s Rivers Conservation Program, which supports restoration efforts, water trail management, and public engagement initiatives.
This year’s festivities also underscore Pennsylvania’s ongoing dedication to sustainability and the legacy of the Delaware River as an ecological and historical treasure.
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