A small scientific working group having detailed understanding of the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) ecosystem restoration planning and the “working coast", including the hurricane and protection systems will prepare a scientifically-based strategic vision for an integrated approach to future water resources planning for greater New Orleans and Coastal Louisiana. The working group will submit its report to the leadership of the Institute of Water Resources for use by the Corps leadership, the administration and the Congress. Existing federal or state policies, programs or existing projects and their operation will not encumber the panel's vision. The report will step beyond broad restoration philosophy to recommend:

• Specific plan formulation strategies and multi-purpose project emphasis, in consideration of
• Costs and practicality
• The state of the science
• “Foundation” projects and programs that are sustainable over time that may be central for planning within each sub-province
• The interdependence of planning for ports, navigation and hurricane protection requirements and the LCA restoration.

• Technical requirements for efficient and effective planning that can be used to inform the expeditious design and implementation of the initial foundation projects and activities, and other essential and on-going activities aimed at both the development of an integrated water resources management and potential future projects thereof.

• Ways to identify and address key scientific uncertainties by integrating a science plan with an operational approach to adaptive decision-making.