The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary, Cindy Adams Dunn, announced the public is invited to again vote online for the 2021 Pennsylvania River of the Year, choosing from among five waterways nominated throughout the state.

“Never has the value of our wealth of waterways shined brighter than during this pandemic as people in unprecedented numbers are being drawn to Pennsylvania’s river and streams and the natural refuge they supply,” Dunn said. “Much more than a public vote gauging popularity, this annual competition builds community support around our rivers and streams, putting them in the public limelight. All have truly unique attributes, offer incredible recreational opportunities, and offer significant boosts to local economies.”

Among the waterways nominated for 2021 is the Lehigh River, as well as the Buffalo Creek, Loyalhanna Creek, Shenango River and Tunkhannock Creek.

The Lehigh River provides recreational, environmental and economic benefit to local communities in seven northeastern PA counties, including Wayne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Luzerne, Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton.

The Lehigh River Stocking Association was formed to continuously improve this significant waterway.

Nominations were based on each waterway’s conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans if the nominee is voted 2021 River of the Year.

In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices is overseen by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.

Dunn said the online public selection process continues to be increasingly popular as it enters its 11th year.

The public can vote for a favorite state waterway through 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at http://pariveroftheyear.org.

Voting is managed through Woobox, an online contest application restricting voting to one per email address.