WEST PALM BEACH - The science behind fixing decades worth of neglect in Florida's River of Grass needs more research and funding, according to a new report from the National Research Council.

The report points to the many uncertainties surrounding the restoration of the Everglades and details areas where more research is needed.

"It could be really expensive to go in there on our best judgment and make a big mistake and have to tear it out," said Mark Kraus, Audubon of Florida's director of restoration science. Audubon wasn't involved in developing the study but said it supported the findings.

The report criticizes cuts in funding for research programs and calls for more studies on water quality and the effects of mercury and other contaminants on the Everglades. It also says the management of research programs needs to be improved.

Both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were reviewing the report Wednesday and had no immediate comment.

Congress asked a 13-member panel to conduct the study after funding for a science research program for the Everglades was cut from $12 million a year to $4 million.