The Allegheny River was celebrated as the state’s River of the Year last month in an event held just north of Pittsburgh.

According to a statement from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a resolution acknowledging June as Rivers Month as a part of the River of the Year celebration, and “has committed his administration to protecting clean water in Pennsylvania through multiple budget initiatives.”

DCNR Deputy Secretary Cindy Claire Jantz was on hand for the event in Aspinwall.

“The Allegheny River is an important part of Pennsylvania’s natural history and beauty, so it is great to celebrate all that the river offers and its impact on the Commonwealth at the River of the Year Sojourn,” Jantz said.

“Congratulations to Three Rivers Waterkeeper and the community of supporters who uplifted this special river.”

According to DCNR, the Allegheny River starts as a stream in Potter County, “meandering through a field of wildflowers before crossing briefly through New York and then through six counties in Western Pennsylvania.”

It runs a total of 325 miles and meets the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh, flowing into the Ohio.

“The fertile valleys and abundant biodiversity have led many communities to call this place home, including the O-non-dowa-gah (Seneca Nation) who call the Allegheny Ohi:yo’ (beautiful river), the Lenni Lenape (Delaware Nation) who named it welhik-heny (most beautiful stream), and French settlers who referred to it as La Belle Riviere,” DCNR explained.

DCNR highlighted that the river includes the Allegheny Islands Wilderness, a seven-island, 372-acre preserve that boasts old-growth hardwoods and prolific bird populations while the U.S. Forest Service has documented over 50 mammals, 200 birds, 25 amphibians, 20 reptiles, 80 fishes, and 25 freshwater mussels in and around the Allegheny.”

Three Rivers Waterkeeper nominated the Allegheny River, and received a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund a slate of year-long 2024 River of the Year activities.

“We were so excited to see everyone who came out Saturday to show their support for the Allegheny River,” Jess Friss, the Director of Community Programs at Three Rivers Waterkeeper, said.

“We remain dedicated to protecting the water quality of the Allegheny River and all its uses, and are excited to have the support of the community and the collective commitment to environmental stewardship, recreation, and love for our waterways.”