FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  info@tlrc.org  or 570 685-5123

                    LACKAWAXEN NAMED PA 2010 RIVER OF THE YEAR  

The Lackawaxen River Conservancy (TLRC), based in Rowland PA, anticipates a busy year ahead.  The Lackawaxen River was recently named 2010 River of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the Conservancy has been tapped as the lead organization to administer the award.  As a result, the Lackawaxen is certain to attract statewide, year-long attention from regulatory agencies, recreational groups, environmental organizations and non-profit partners. 

In response to the DCNR award, TLRC intends to make the best of each moment throughout the year.  TLRC president Winnie Olsen remarked, “The Lackawaxen River Conservancy is challenged by this designation and the tremendous opportunity it presents for enhancing appreciation of the river as one of the region’s most precious natural assets.  Working in partnership with a range of organizations in Wayne and Pike counties, we will host educational, recreational and hands-on stewardship events in every season.” 

DCNR has selected a River of the Year annually since 1983.  While larger rivers like the Delaware , Lehigh, and Susquehanna were the focus of previous designations, DCNR now looks to all Pennsylvania Rivers and streams as potential recipients.  The River of the Year award is intended to focus upon diverse river features, including a conservation need, an increase in public awareness, historic and economic value and potential of future threats.

TLRC’s goals for River of the Year activities will concentrate on events and activities that promote environmental awareness and enlist communty participation from Pike and Wayne Counties as well as the whole Northeastern Pennsylvania region.  Along with its normal outreach presentations, TLRC plans an eagle watching tour with The Eagle Institute, a clean up event with the Wayne County Historical Society, a two-day river sojourn with numerous community partners, a fall foliage sightseeing tour by train with the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, and an excursion to explore dams in remote portions of the Lackawaxen River Watershed in Wayne County..  Picnics, potlucks and other social events will provide further opportunities to celebrate the Lackawaxen as River of the Year.  Eventually, TLRC hopes to recruit concerned area residents to get involved with tree plantings and riverbank clean-ups.  Olsen states, “We look forward to building on the River of the Year momentum long after 2010, and developing a strong partner base is essential to that goal.”

In reaction to the DCNR reward, Frederica Leighton, TLRC co-founder and past president: stated:  “The Pennsylvania River of the Year designation puts the Lackawaxen River and TLRC in the spotlight. Our goal is to involve the whole community in celebrating this unique distinction.  By emphasizing the river as an asset, we can encourage commercial and private property owners to take pride in having the river run through their properties. The future of this extraordinary resource, its clean water, wildlife habitat and natural beauty truly depends on our group effort as stewards and advocates for the Lackawaxen River ’s well being.” 

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July 2010 Pess Release:

CONSERVANCY HOSTS RIVER OF THE YEAR EVENT

 In celebration of the PA 2010 River of the Year, The Lackawaxen River Conservancy is hosting a dinner and silent auction on Saturday, July 31^st , 6:30 pm at the Cocoon, in Hawley, PA.   The event is a fund raiser to support the Conservancy’s outreach and educational programs as well as its varied efforts to protect and preserve the Lackawaxen River and its watershed.    Tickets are $45 per person or $80 a couple.  Advance reservations are required.  For information please call 570 685-7204 or go to info@lackawaxenriver.org

2010 Delaware River Sojourn calendar