From the interaction among the stakeholders in these initial steps, you can decide upon what method to use for decision making. University of Wisconsin-Extension agents are ideally suited for this role. If that cannot be arranged, private consultants could be contacted. A mediator has no formal decision-making power, but is responsible for developing lines of communication, encouraging concessions, managing the exchange of proposals, and possibly proposing solutions of their own. An arbitrator will hear both sides of the story and then make a binding decision regarding the fate of the dam.
Adjudication involves going to court to arrive at a decision.
When only a small number of identifiable issues are being disputed and a few stakeholders are involved, consultation, or unassisted negotiation, may be an appropriate decision-making process. Finally, if the disagreement has become so intense that communication has broken down, no progress is being made toward making a decision, and stakeholders are threatening litigation, it may be worthwhile to hire a mediator. Arbitration and adjudication should be considered only as last resorts. Start the process early. It is crucial to recognize that good decision making is a lengthy process.