HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials have unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection of rivers, wildlife, and public lands across the state. On December 12, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced three key projects that encourage public participation, fund biodiversity research, and strengthen conservation efforts throughout the Commonwealth.
One of the highlights is the opening of online voting for Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year, which began last Tuesday. Residents have until January 16 to select their favorite from three nominated waterways: the Conestoga River in Lancaster County, Chillisquaque Creek in central Pennsylvania, and the lower Schuylkill River, which stretches from Phoenixville to Philadelphia. DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn stated that this annual competition emphasizes the recreational, cultural, and economic significance of rivers while fostering community pride.
The River of the Year program is administered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and is funded by the DCNR. It aims to raise awareness about conservation needs and celebrate the waterways that shape local identities. The Conestoga River flows over 61 miles to the Susquehanna River and is popular for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Chillisquaque Creek, a 20-mile tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna, meanders through four counties, offering diverse outdoor recreational opportunities across its 112-square-mile watershed. The lower Schuylkill River, spanning 36 miles through the greater Philadelphia region, serves as a major recreational corridor in southeastern Pennsylvania.
In a related initiative, the Shapiro Administration announced nearly $530,000 in grants for 15 projects focused on conserving native biodiversity, covering a range of species from rare plants to various mammals. These funds aim to support research that addresses knowledge gaps and inform conservation strategies statewide.
Projects benefiting from this funding include mapping green salamander habitats, surveying rare stoneflies and aquatic plants, and developing Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive firefly inventory. Other studies will assess endangered fish reintroduction and employ DNA barcoding to catalogue native bee diversity. Grants will also support research on prairie warblers, northern harriers, rare fungi, and elusive species like the Allegheny woodrat, utilizing conservation detection dogs.
DCNR officials noted that these grants, disbursed through the Wild Resource Conservation Program, reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting non-game species and ecosystems for future generations. This initiative aligns with broader investments outlined in the 2025-26 state budget, which increases funding for the DCNR, invasive species control, outdoor recreation, and the expansion of state parks.
Additionally, the 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 native of Moon Township and an environmental science graduate of Clarion University, Plish brings experience from multiple state parks and the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.
DCNR officials expressed confidence that Plish’s background and collaborative approach will enhance stewardship at Chapman State Park, which hosts events like Warren County Winterfest and serves as a year-round recreation hub.
These initiatives collectively reflect a concerted effort by Pennsylvania officials to engage the public, invest in science-driven conservation, and strengthen the management of the state’s natural resources. This aligns with a growing recognition of environmental protection as both a civic responsibility and an economic asset.
