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doug winter- president

Doug Winter brings technical expertise and a lifelong love of rivers to his role as Board President. An environmental engineer specializing in contaminated site remediation, Doug first connected with MCWC through citizen science water quality monitoring. Since joining the board in 2018, he has played key roles in establishing the River Stop interpretive center in Rifle and supporting post–Grizzly Creek Fire watershed response efforts. Doug serves on the Executive Committee and the Outreach and Education Committee, supporting MCWC’s operations, fundraising, and community engagement.

mikaela Richardson-board member

Born and raised in Glenwood Springs, Mikaela Richardson has a deep connection to the land and water of the Western Slope. She brings technical expertise and thoughtful leadership to the MCWC Board, holding a master’s degree in Watershed Science from Colorado State University and working as a hydrologist with Spheros Environmental. Mikaela serves on the Outreach and Education Committee, supporting science-based programming and community learning grounded in real-world field experience. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, horseback riding, and fishing.

chris treese - board member

Chris Treese is a delightfully retired water policy expert with decades of experience in Colorado water management. He spent 28 years with the Colorado River District, retiring in 2019 after serving as External Affairs Manager — a role that allowed him to bridge policy, communications and collaboration across the basin. Chris continues to serve on local, regional and statewide boards and brings institutional knowledge, perspective and humor to MCWC. He serves on the Governance Committee and remains deeply committed to the Middle Colorado watershed.

shelbi bauer - treasurer

From a longstanding Glenwood Springs family, Shelbi Bauer brings financial expertise and deep community roots to her role as Treasurer. She serves as Vice President of Treasury Management at Alpine Bank, where she specializes in financial strategy, risk management and client relationships. Shelbi serves on the MCWC Finance Committee, supporting the organization’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and sons and giving back to the river that has shaped her life.

Jack witt - board member

Jack Witt brings strong financial and nonprofit governance experience to the Middle Colorado Watershed Council Board of Directors. He holds an accounting degree from the University of Texas and spent more than 25 years in accounting, finance and operations leadership roles. Jack is a longtime Ducks Unlimited volunteer and leader, currently serving on its national and international boards, including as Treasurer of Ducks Unlimited de México. He joined MCWC to support local and regional water and wetlands conservation. Jack lives in Glenwood Springs with his wife Betsy and their two Labrador retrievers, Curly and Brant. 

cindy adams - board member

Cindy Adams brings more than 20 years of environmental consulting and management experience in the Rocky Mountain West to the MCWC Board. Her background includes project leadership, regulatory compliance and business development across reclamation, wetlands, vegetation and wildlife habitat work. A lifelong Girl Scout and leader, Cindy values service, stewardship and community. She and her husband and daughter live on the family ranch and orchard outside of New Castle, where caring for the land is part of daily life.

Mike Schuster- board member

Mike Schuster is the Chief Operator of the City of Glenwood Springs’ wastewater treatment department, where he oversees critical infrastructure protecting local water quality. With hands-on experience in water systems operations, Mike brings practical, on-the-ground expertise to the MCWC Board. He is also an avid river recreationist and passionate angler who values the connection between healthy watersheds and vibrant communities. He and his wife and young son live in Rifle.

Caitlin Carey- board member

Caitlin Carey grew up in Alabama and has called Garfield County home since 2002, living here full-time since 2013. She currently serves on New Castle Town Council and is deeply committed to inclusive, thoughtful community leadership. Caitlin serves on the Governance Committee. An outdoor enthusiast at heart, she finds grounding in the natural world through running, skiing, swimming and time on the river, usually alongside her husband and son.

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morgan hill - Emeritus Board member

Morgan Hill brings extensive experience in environmental health and water quality. She began her career with the Garfield County Environmental Health Department, including work on a multi-community Source Water Protection Plan, and later served in environmental health leadership for Eagle County before joining Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) in 2022. A CU Boulder graduate, Morgan has supported MCWC since its incorporation in 2013.

MCWC staff and board members are pictured here at the February 2026 planning retreat at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. Front, left to right: Executive Director Kate Collins, Jack Witt, Shelbi Bauer, Chris Treese and Liberty Costello, Back, left to right: Caitlin Carey, Doug Winter, Cindy Adams, Mikaela Richardson.

Outreach & Community Engagement Committee

Be an Ambassador for Watershed Health, Wildfire Resilience and Community Stewardship

The Middle Colorado Watershed Council is seeking enthusiastic, community-minded individuals to join a team of volunteers to serve on our Outreach & Community Engagement Committee. This team plays a critical role in helping MCWC connect with community members, businesses, sponsors, and partners throughout the watershed.

Outreach & Community Engagement Volunteers help support MCWC events from planning through execution and follow-up. Volunteers serve as ambassadors for the organization, helping build relationships and ensuring attendees, sponsors and partners have a positive experience with MCWC.

Time Commitment

  • Monthly committee meeting on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

  • Meetings are held at St. John's Guild Hall in New Castle

  • Typical meeting length: 1–1.5 hours

  • Additional volunteer time varies based on upcoming events and individual availability

Meetings include a potluck dinner. Bringing food is always optional. During the summer months, we enjoy "Community Salad"—MCWC provides the greens and dressing, while committee members contribute optional toppings and add-ins.

Key Areas of Focus: Choose Your Own Adventure

We are seeking volunteers for event pre-promotion, sponsor stewardship, day-of event support and post-event follow-up. We welcome participation in one, some or all of these opportunities!

1. Community Outreach & Promotion

  • Distribute event posters and flyers throughout the region

  • Share event information through personal and professional networks

  • Encourage attendance and participation among community members, businesses, and partners

  • Represent MCWC positively at community events and gatherings

  • Help raise awareness of MCWC's mission, programs, and impact

  • Help cultivate relationships with prospective volunteers, donors, sponsors and community partners 

2. Sponsor Stewardship

One of the committee's most important responsibilities is helping sponsors feel appreciated and connected to MCWC's work.

Volunteers may:

  • Assist with sponsor outreach and relationship-building

  • Ensure sponsors receive event information and tickets

  • Coordinate collection and display of sponsor banners and promotional materials

  • Welcome sponsors at events and help ensure they have a positive experience

  • Participate in post-event thank-you communications and recognition efforts

3. Event Support

Responsibilities may include:

  • Support with soliciting auction and door prize donations

  • Ticketing and guest check-in

  • Greeting attendees

  • Staffing information tables

  • Selling tickets for door prize drawings

  • Setting up and taking down sponsor banners and displays

  • Organizing auction and door prize items

  • Assisting speakers, presenters and venue staff

  • Helping with event setup and cleanup

  • Supporting MCWC staff and board members during events

  • Assistance with film fest planning, specifically screening and selecting films

4. Event Follow-Up

  • Participate in post-event evaluations and lessons learned discussions

  • Help identify opportunities for improvement

  • Assist with sponsor and attendee thank-you efforts

  • Help document successes and community impact

Signature Events

River Fest - August 1, 2026 - River cleanup and MCWC tabling event at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs

Rifle Creek Restoration Day on Powers Ranch - October 10, 2026 - Community day to share and showcase MCWC’s Centennial Park, Deerfield Park, Government Creek, Grand Tunnel Ditch Flume and Powers Ranch projects; elevated networking and learning from subject matter experts.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival - October 24, 2026 at the Ute Theater in Rifle, & October 29, 2026 at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue in Glenwood Springs. MCWC's signature annual fundraiser and community celebration featuring inspiring films focused on conservation, water, recreation, and stewardship.

Fire & Water Speaker Series - February–April 2027 - A community education series exploring water security, wildfire resilience, and community preparedness.

February 2027
History of Water in the West
Presented by Tom Romero, PhD, Professor of Law, UNLV

Tentatively scheduled for February 4 or February 11 at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. Additional spring programs will continue to explore topics related to watershed health, wildfire resilience and community stewardship.

Ideal Volunteers

  • Enjoy meeting people and building relationships

  • Care about western Colorado's lands, waters and communities

  • Are dependable and willing to follow through on commitments

  • Communicate professionally and positively

  • Enjoy working as part of a team

  • Want to make a meaningful contribution to the community

Why Volunteer?

The success of MCWC's outreach and education efforts depends on strong community connections. As an Outreach & Community Engagement Volunteer, you will help build relationships, strengthen community support and create meaningful connections between people and place while advancing watershed stewardship, wildfire resilience and science-based education throughout western Colorado.

Whether you're welcoming a first-time attendee, thanking a sponsor or helping at an event, you'll play an important role in growing the community of people who care about the future of the middle Colorado River watershed. Interested? Please get in touch!