OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

For Immediate Release: February 25, 1999

Contact: Paul Bledsoe or
Stephanie Hanna (202) 208-6416

Secretary Bruce Babbitt, representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers, and three leading scientists, Stuart L. Pimm, Gordon Orians, and Peter Raven, met today to discuss a letter from the scientists regarding further outside scientific input into the plan for Everglades restoration.

After a constructive dialogue, the scientists agreed with the Secretary's call for an on-going, independent scientific review panel to provide advice on the implementation of the Everglades Restudy.

"I am deeply gratified that this distinguished group of scientists will be helping us ensure that the best available science will continue to be used as Everglades restoration proceeds," Secretary Babbitt said. "The sheer scale of this restoration demands that we take full advantage of the range of talent our nation has to offer."

Following the meeting, the Interior Department and the Army Corps released a document, endorsed by the scientists, describing the approach to establishing a Science Advisory and Review Panel. The panel will be composed of scientists representing a broad range of expertise and will be named in the near future by Secretary Babbitt, under his authority as Chairman of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.

The Secretary, who has worked over the last several months with the Everglades Task Force on developing such a panel, plans to seek recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences, Federal and state agencies, and others regarding its composition.

"We need an on-going, independent group of advisors. This review panel provides it and we are absolutely delighted," said Stuart L. Pimm, of the University of Tennessee, also speaking on behalf of the other scientists attending the meeting.

"We are pleased with the outcome of today's meeting. The Restudy Plan was developed through an inclusive process that involved scores of scientists. We welcome additional input from the independent scientific review panel. This process will help us improve the plan as we begin implementation," said Michael Davis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, who also attended the meeting.

"This panel will add to our already strong dedication to good science in this undertaking," said Patricia J. Beneke, Assistant Interior Secretary for Water and Science. "Secretary Babbitt's mantra has always been sound science."

The Secretary's proposal as agreed to by the scientists follows:

-DOI-

Attachment