He said he sent a letter to Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. on Monday that “shows our intention to collaborate. This is a natural collaboration not only to help them, but to help us achieve our mission of interpreting the natural heritage of Virginia.”

One of four facets of the Center for Coldwaters Restoration is an aquarium and interpretive center showing off the native aquatic life in Waynesboro’s river and springs.

Keiper said he could see visitors looking at the trout, and the mollusks and aquatic insects native to the area such as dragonflies and mayflies.

Keiper said his museum’s board of directors is aware of the potential partnership.

“As we progress forward we have to see what is realistic financially and logistically,’’ Keiper said. He said all projects of this nature cost  “multiple millions of dollars.”

Keiper said an unanswered question is the time it would take to bring a return on such an investment and “actually make it sustainable. We can’t rely solely on state tax dollars.”

Len Poulin, co-chair of the Center for Coldwaters Restoration, said discussions began in January with the Museum of Natural History.

“We are smart enough to know we don’t know how to run an aquarium,’’ Poulin said. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring in someone.”

Keiper said having a satellite Museum of Natural History in Waynesboro could be a museum model for other parts of the state. “The real fun part is when you dream big,’’ he said.