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.
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.
cole buerger - board member
A longtime western Garfield County resident, Cole and his husband own and operate Rislende Riverside in Silt. He is committed to protecting the health of the Middle Colorado watershed and advancing collaborative solutions that balance community needs with environmental resilience. Cole serves on MCWC’s Governance Committee, supporting effective board structure, policy development, and long-term organizational strength.
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.
Front, left to right: Kate Collins, Jack Witt, Shelbi Bauer, Chris Treese, Liberty Costello, Back, left to right: Caitlin Carey, Doug Winter, Cindy Adams, Mikaela Richardson
MCWC 2026 Staff & Board of Directors
The board provides overarching direction and sets policy, goals and objectives for the Middle Colorado Watershed Council.
Our Committees:
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 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.