Editors' Summary: The devastation and toll in human life and suffering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still revealing themselves. Some believe much of this was preventable, and that steps must be taken today to ensure that the recovery from these disasters leaves the Gulf Coast and its residents with greater economic, social, and environmental security. On October 17, 2005, ELI invited members and friends who had a front seat to the events leading up to this disaster, and who will play a key role in the recovery, to share their thoughts and experiences. Below is a transcript of that event. The discussion considered what lessons we can learn about environmental governance and how we can apply those lessons moving forward. They also considered land use and planning post-Katrina and post-Rita; how recovery should work across federal, state, local, private, and nonprofit organizations; and how meaningful public participation can be designed when affected citizens are spread across the country. The panelists suggested energetic, heartfelt, and intelligent approaches to rebuilding the Gulf Coast in a sensible, environmentally sound manner.