Pennsylvania officials are prioritizing rivers, wildlife, and public lands with a series of initiatives designed to engage the community and promote conservation. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently launched an online voting campaign for the state’s 2026 River of the Year, allowing residents to choose from three nominated waterways. Voting will remain open until January 16, 2024.
The nominees include the Conestoga River, which flows through Lancaster County, Chillisquaque Creek in central Pennsylvania, and the lower Schuylkill River that stretches from Phoenixville to Philadelphia. According to DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, this annual competition aims to highlight the recreational, cultural, and economic significance of rivers while fostering community pride.
The Conestoga River, known for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, spans over 61 miles before joining the Susquehanna River. Chillisquaque Creek, a 20-mile tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna, offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities across its 112-square-mile watershed. The lower Schuylkill River, covering 36 miles in the greater Philadelphia region, serves as a vital recreational corridor in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Funding for Biodiversity Conservation
In a related announcement, the Shapiro Administration revealed nearly $530,000 in grants dedicated to 15 projects that aim to conserve native biodiversity. These projects target a range of species, from rare plants and insects to birds, fish, and mammals. The funding is intended to support research that addresses knowledge gaps and informs conservation decisions statewide.
Highlighted initiatives include mapping green salamander habitats, surveying rare stoneflies and aquatic plants, and establishing Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive firefly inventory. Other projects will assess endangered fish reintroduction and employ DNA barcoding to catalog native bee diversity. The grants, administered through the Wild Resource Conservation Program, reflect the state’s commitment to conserving non-game species and ecosystems for future generations.
Leadership Change in Pennsylvania Wilds
On December 12, 2023, DCNR announced a leadership change in the Pennsylvania Wilds, appointing Michael Plish as the manager of Chapman State Park in Warren County. Plish will oversee the 862-acre park and Chapman Lake, a popular destination adjacent to state game lands and the Allegheny National Forest.
A graduate in environmental science from Clarion University, Plish brings experience from various state parks and the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. DCNR officials expressed confidence that his background and collaborative approach will enhance stewardship at Chapman State Park, known for hosting events like Warren County Winterfest and serving as a year-round recreation hub.
These initiatives underscore a coordinated effort by Pennsylvania officials to engage the public, invest in science-driven conservation, and strengthen management of the state’s natural resources. As the Commonwealth emphasizes environmental protection, it positions these efforts as both a civic responsibility and an economic asset.
