Once again, the Schuylkill River is in the running to be named Pennsylvania River of the Year.
After losing to the Monongahela River last year, by only 146 votes, the Schuylkill is among five waterways nominated across the state for the 2014 competition.
"So many unique natural resources and so much recreational potential are showcased individually in these nominations," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. "Collectively, these rivers and streams demonstrate just how blessed Pennsylvania is with its wealth of major waterways."
The award, which is meant to raise awareness of the important recreational, ecological and historical resources associated with the state's rivers and streams, has been presented annually since 1983.
The organization nominating the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year activities.
Rivers nominated along with the Schuylkill are the Kiskiminetas-Conemaugh rivers in the southwest, Ohio in the west, Brodhead Creek Watershed in the northeast and the West Branch of the Susquehanna in the north central section of the state.
Nominations were based on each waterway's conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2014 River of the Year.
After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn.
Sierra Gladfelter, outreach coordinator for Schuylkill Headwaters Association, said that the Schuylkill River deserves the nomination since 1.75 million people receive water from it each year and countless more depend on it for recreation from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia.
She also said the river played an important part during the industrial revolution, moving coal and other raw materials downstream.
"Its place in American history would definitely qualify it to be voted the River of the Year," Gladfelter said. "Even if people don't live directly on the banks, living in the watershed means you're contributing to the health of the river."
In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices was overseen by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR.
The public can vote for their favorite state waterway until 5 p.m. Dec. 27, by visiting www.pariveroftheyear.org.