Groups want to explore ways to 'trade' for water, other resources in Whatcom County

Not-so-hypothetical situation: A farmer owns land with development rights - meaning he could build homes there - but he or she would happily relinquish those if it meant automatically getting access to more water for farming.

Not currently possible.

Under a natural resources marketplace, an idea that's been discussed in Whatcom County for years, it might be possible. A free symposium will be held Thursday, Sept. 23, to learn about and discuss the idea of establishing such a marketplace.