The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently announced the River of the Year candidates. The Conestoga River has been selected for River of the Year voting. The Conestoga joins the Schuylkill River, Susquehanna River North Branch, and Perkiomen Creek on the ballot.

The Conestoga River meanders along a 63-mile course and drains just over 475 miles of watershed on its way to the Susquehanna. The Conestoga is also the eastern boundary of Manheim Township.

Members of the public are encouraged to vote for the Conestoga as River of the Year. If the Conestoga wins the contest, the Conestoga River Club and its partners will receive a $10,000 leadership grant. This grant will help fund River of the Year activities, including an overnight kayak camping trip along the water trail corridor, a River of the Year festival and paddle sports race, the third annual Earth Day clean-up, and a host of other events to bring more awareness and recognition for the local waterway.

To cast a vote, visit https://bit.ly/MT-ROTY-Vote. Voting will be open until Wednesday, Jan. 18.