Rappahannock River Basin Symposium is next week

The Rappahannock River Basin Commission hosts a symposium, “Incentivizing Restoration Through a Chesapeake Bay Economy,” Dec. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will be held at the University of Mary Washington, Stafford Campus, in Fredericksburg.

The purpose of the symposium is to begin the process of creating a bioregional marketplace called the Rappahannock Exchange. This is a national pilot project seeking to integrate environmental goals and policy with commerce.

The unique concept addresses the concept of stimulating, creating and sustaining a demand for the services provided by farms and natural resources by financially rewarding landowners who preserve these resources. Enhancement of economic opportunities for participating businesses in the Exchange is another core principle.

Participants in the discussion will have the opportunity to shape the “first of its kind” bioregional economy designed to put a value on natural resources such as the Chesapeake Bay.

Culpeper attorney John J. “Butch” Davies III, member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, is among symposium participants. Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania, and Del. Ed Scott, R-Madison, will also be participating.

Registration fee is $25. Sign up at rappriverbasin.org.