Jan. 16 PA Environment Digest now available. Click Here to print entire Digest.
Stonycreek River Voted Pennsylvania's 2012 River of the Year
The Stonycreek River, flowing through Cambria and Somerset counties, has been voted Pennsylvania's River of the Year for 2012.
For the second year, a public, online vote selected the winning river from among four nominees. Stonycreek River received 2,777 votes among the more than 8,300 ballots cast. The other finalists were the Kiskiminetas, Middle Monongahela and Upper Juniata rivers.
"The Stonycreek has it all -- near-wilderness, pristine trout waters; nationally acclaimed whitewater adventure; and a watershed steeped in natural and historical resources," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan. "Our newest River of the Year has rebounded from abandoned mine drainage threats of the past to unlimited recreational potential of the future."Once again the River of the Year designation raises awareness of the river and its conservation needs, while the public voting format continues to generate local enthusiasm for conservation and recognition of the importance of our waterways."
DCNR and the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers administer the River of the Year program. Local organizations submit nominations.