Among the most biologically diverse watersheds in Pennsylvania — and a federally designated National Wild and Scenic Recreation River — the Allegheny River is the 2017 Pennsylvania River of the Year.
The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers invited the public to vote online Nov. 14-Dec.19, choosing from among four waterways nominated across the state. The Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council nominated the Allegheny.
At the conclusion of the public voting campaign, the Allegheny was the clear winner, tallying 45 percent of the more than 16,700 total votes cast.
Home to an increasing bald eagle population, the Allegheny flows more than 315 miles from its source in Potter County through the state, including a portion of what is designated the PA Wilds. With a watershed area of 11,580 square miles, it contributes 60 percent of the Ohio River flow at Pittsburgh.
Eighty-six miles of the river — from Kinzua Dam to Emlenton — are a federally designated National Wild and Scenic Recreation River, containing seven islands that are protected under America’s National Wilderness Preservation System.
“Every year, thousands of people paddle down this beautiful river,” Wes Ramsey, executive director of the Penn Soil council, said, “and winning this designation helps us focus more attention on its history; the value of clean water; its biological diversity; the recreational opportunities it provides; and the economic value of the Allegheny River to our region.
“Through public educational and recreational events and projects in the coming year,” he said, “we hope to increase public awareness and participation in activities which will lead to increased stewardship of our natural resources.”
As the organization that nominated the Allegheny, Penn Soil RC&D Council, which serves eight northwestern Pennsylvania counties, will receive a $10,000 leadership grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the state Organization of Watersheds and Rivers to help plan and celebrate the River of the Year designation.
“The River of the Year grant we are receiving requires us to provide a local cash match to those funds and there are limitations on what the grant funds can be used for,” Ramsey said, “so we are also searching for additional partners who would be interested in co-sponsoring the River of the Year celebration.”
Sponsorship materials are displayed on the council’s website at www.pennsoil.org.
Ramsey said at least six events are being planned and he anticipates that the number of events could possibly grow to more than 20, starting in April and continuing throughout the calendar year.”
Penn Soil RC&D will accept applications for small grants of up to $500 each from qualified applicants to co-sponsor River of the Year activities, events or educational programming associated with the Allegheny River that meet specified criteria.
