## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ##
Around 60 people gathered on June 17, 2025, at Orange County High School for a dynamic RFPP Community Meeting and panel discussion on the nationally significant effort to restore the Rapidan River.
A highlight of the evening was the debut screening of the inspiring new short documentary, Recovering the Historic Rapidan.
Organized by American Climate Partners, the event brought together nine expert panelists including project team leaders, fisheries biologists, environmental engineers, historians, and community members. Panelists represented leading organizations such as the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, American Rivers, Ecotone Environmental Engineering, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group.
Throughout the evening, attendees engaged directly with the experts via educational exhibits, one-on-one conversations, and an open auditorium discussion that featured an extended Q&A session.
While the topic of dam alteration or removal can spark differing opinions, the meeting reflected a spirit of respectful dialogue and shared interest in the future of the Rapidan. One local resident captured the mood best by acknowledging the challenges of change but reminding the audience that “restoring this public river will benefit people and wildlife along more than 500 miles of river habitat.”
We’re grateful to everyone who came out to listen, learn, and contribute to the conversation. The June 17 meeting was the second in an ongoing series of community events hosted by American Climate Partners to promote transparency, education, and inclusive engagement as this exciting project moves forward.
Stay tuned for future opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re recovering something remarkable.
