Key issue with mitigation is GAINS must exceed LOSSES -- in this case, opening of pass should have huge overriding POSITIVE impacts - long-term water quality, habitat functions, restoring what WAS is VERY important -- !!! Historical aspects and natural flows have huge values ! Construction effects are short-term and are reduced by pro-active construction methodology -- use floating turbidiy curtains to reduce silt/light availablity issues! Long-term goals should outweigh short-term impacts! Would love to be there, but no way I could handle a weeknite tha far north --need a 2-hour nap every nite just to stay even! Who is foot-dragging in Tally? DEP? FFWCC?? Lookat Everglades as an example-- HUGE short-term impacts for long-term benefit!! DUH!!!!!