Methods will vary from a few seconds thought to an in-depth analysis, depending on the level of detail . People are your most important resources . List resources and constraints that need to be investigated. Look at what affects and is affected by the problem and potential solutions. Look well beyond physical and biological resources to data, participants, and decisionmakers.
Constraints Figure out what constraints drive the process.
Legal influences, regulations, authority, the goals and missions of all participants, and the overall purpose of the action will shape the focus of the process. Staff and funding will dictate how much can be done. Possible competition for resources and your action's priority will determine how many resources can be used. Problem Water quality deterioriting in aquifer Objectives Improve water quality to meet x standards Resources Funding, partnerships, existing well system, etc. Constraints Recharge laws, farming activity, hydrologic recharge rates, availability of water, availability of well data, etc.