Morgan Hill - President
Morgan's family has lived in the Colorado River Valley for over 20 years. Growing up in Glenwood Springs, she has always loved recreating on water, whether that be floating the river or skiing in the winter. Her work for local government as an Environmental Health professional has also shaped her interest in water quality. Protecting our very special rivers and streams has long been a passion for Morgan, and her inspiration for serving on MCWC's Board of Directors since the organization incorporated in 2013.
Doug Winter - Board Member
Doug is a river sports enthusiast and casual naturalist who joined the MCWC Board of Directors in 2018. He got started with MCWC doing citizen science water quality monitoring, which is a more fun version of his day job as an environmental engineer focused on contaminated site remediation. Since then he has helped set up MCWC's River Stop interpretive center in Rifle and worked on the Grizzly Creek fire response, while assisting the Board with operations and fundraising.
Jared Emmert- Secretary
I joined the MCWC board of directors in 2017 and have enjoyed working with our Technical Advisory Committee and Water Quality/Riparian Focus Group. I’m also the Utilities Director for the City of Rifle. With my job in the water industry and involvement with the MCWC, I’m glad to be able to help protect the Colorado River for its multiple users.
Shelbi Bauer - Treasurer
As a native of Glenwood Springs the Colorado River has always held a special place in my heart. When I am not crunching numbers at my day job as a Commercial Lender/ Vice President at Alpine Bank my family and I enjoy all things outdoors. I am excited to be able to make an impact through the MCWC and contribute back to a river that gives all of us so much.
Mike Schuster - Board Member
Michael is a professional ski bum and amateur fisherman who joined the MCWC board in June 2023. Growing up in Basalt and Aspen, and chasing his family down Two Creeks, the mountains and rivers of the Roaring Fork Valley quickly became his playground. After receiving a BA in Water Science from CU Boulder in 2010, he worked with Roaring Fork Conservancy monitoring water quality on the Roaring Fork Watershed’s various rivers and tributaries. He received a Master’s in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University in 2020; his thesis project was a nutrient flow and land use study of Cattle Creek. Michael currently serves as the Chief Wastewater Treatment Operator for the City of Glenwood Springs, and can be found fishing on his paddleboard, hiding in the tree runs at Sunlight, or camping with his family.
Chris Treese - Board Member
Chris Treese is a delightfully, retired water geek. He retired in 2019 after 28 years working for the Colorado River District as the district’s External Affairs Manager. This vague job title allowed him to do everything that engineers and lawyers shouldn’t do. Chris remains involved in the greater water community through service on local, regional, and statewide boards and looks forward to contributing to the Middle Colorado watershed.
Wendy Ryan - Board Member
Wendy has worked in the fields of water resources and climate monitoring for much of her career and brings a diverse background in understanding the climate of Colorado and its impact on the State’s water resources. As Assistant State Climatologist, she gained experience with instrumentation and monitoring of climatic conditions across Colorado, focusing mainly on agricultural water use and drought early warning. Wendy moved to the west slope to work in the water resources field in 2015. She has gained experience working on consumptive use analyses, lysimetric measurements, augmentation plans, point flow modeling for water supply feasibility studies, ditch loss studies, water accounting as well as reservoir operations, monitoring and maintenance. Outside of work, Wendy enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and dogs, foraging, hunting, and cooking.
Cole Buerger - Board Member
MCWC 2023 Board of Directors
The board manages the Council’s day to day activities, organizes the stakeholsers meeting, and provides direction for the Council through its leadership.
Our Committees:
The TAC
The Technical Advisory Committee or "TAC" is comprised of local water experts, community members, and project managers. The TAC oversees the MCWC's current projects, advises on future projects and provides insight for best management practices. Please contact us if you would like to get more information.
O&E Committee
The Outreach and Education Committee includes MCWC staff, community supporters, and board members interested in planning events, outreach efforts, and setting up educational opportunities through the MCWC. The committee organizes our annual Film Festival, River Clean-Up and Glenwood Canyon Bike Tour. Please contact us if you would like more information about the committee.
The RRAG
The Riparian Restoration Advisory Group is made up of staff, board of directors, and riparian restoration experts including land managers, federal government employees, water engineers, and leaders in stream management. Contact us if you would like to share you knowledge of riparian restoration and join this committee.
The Middle Colorado Watershed Council includes both a broad stakeholders group and, as of December 2013, a Board of Directors (BOD). Following considerable research and discussion, the original governing body, the Leadership Committee, recommended that the Council formalize itself as a not-for-profit entity under Colorado law. Advantages to incorporation are that it provides for an on-going, clear method of internal decision-making and self-governance, allows the Council to accept grant monies and donations directly, and necessitates independent financial planning and management. Copies of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are available upon request.