HARRISBURG (TNS) — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has named the North Branch of the Susquehanna River Pennsylvania’s 2023 River of the Year.
The branch is located in the northeastern part of the state and was selected by public vote.
“Through planned River of the Year celebrations, public awareness of the value of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River will be increased and major initiatives along this section of the river will be underscored,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the DCNR. “Economic revitalization of river-town communities will enhance access to the river; increase tourism; and provide additional land and water-based recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors alike.”
The North Branch flows from the New York state line to Sunbury near Shikellamy State Park at the confluence with the river’s west branch. It then meanders through Susquehanna, Bradford, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties.
A water trail on the branch is popular with paddlers, anglers, recreational boaters and wildlife enthusiasts.
The public voted online for the nominated waterways and cast 11,438 votes. The North Branch received 4,098 votes while the Perkiomen Creek 3,110; Conestoga River 2,490; and Schuylkill River 1,740.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region, which nominated the North Branch, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund a slate of year-long 2023 River of the Year activities.
“We nominated the North Branch in the hopes of receiving this prestigious designation in conjunction with our organization’s 25th anniversary in 2023 and now that we have it, we couldn’t be more excited,” said Cain Chamberlin, executive director of the Endless Mountains.
