An educational campaign about the zebra mussel is begun. During the entire decision making process and implementation of various tactics, the public is constantly informed and encouraged to voice their opinions. The group needs to decide which use of the river is more important, such as boat traffic or protection of biodiversity in the St. Croix River. If the decision is made to value diversity more, group members may have to make changes in boating regulations. The group has decided its goal is to keep the zebra mussel out of the Upper St. Croix River because protection in the Lower St. Croix would require changes in commercial traffic affecting interstate commerce laws.
Feedback loops happen at every step along the way.
Policies and objectives are established. For example, to protect the Upper St. Croix from the zebra mussel invasion we will not allow boat traffic north of a certain checkpoint unless the boaters have proof of steam cleaning or have motored the boat only above the checkpoint. The National Park Service will staff a station at the checkpoint to manage boat traffic and check for permits. An educational program will be established to inform the public of the importance of this station and the benefits. If a program is going to be established, it is necessary to return to the goal statement and incorporate an educational component.