Lehigh River in the Poconos Nominated for ‘2021 River of the Year’

Voting ends Friday, January 22nd

Edited by: www.TJVNews.com

The Lehigh River is in the running to become Pennsylvania’s 2021 River of the Year. One of only five state waterways nominated, the Lehigh River needs your online vote before the polls close at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 22nd.

The Lehigh River runs 103 miles and winds through ten counties including Carbon, Monroe and Wayne counties in the Pocono Mountains. Learn more about the Lehigh River and the other nominees here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) organize this program annually to raise awareness of the important recreational, ecological and historical resources associated with the state’s rivers and streams. Click here to read DCNR’s press release about the 2021 River of the Year initiative.

“The Lehigh River is a place where memories are made in the Pocono Mountains among residents and tourists alike,” said Chris Barrett, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau President/CEO. “The Lehigh provides family-friendly recreational activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The river is also a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.”

“The Lehigh River is a world-class natural resource that provides limitless outdoor adventure and economic opportunity for the surrounding region,” said Paul Fogal, owner of Pocono Whitewater. “The river has allowed many families, including ours, to own and operate successful multi-generational businesses for over half a century. Outdoor activities associated with the river have created hundreds of jobs, convinced hundreds of thousands of tourists to visit, and completely revitalized a once-struggling local economy.”

The winning river receives a $10,000 grant and will be celebrated throughout the year with events such as a paddling trip (sojourn), a speaker series and clean up days.