Paula Stepp

Executive Director

Turning stream management plans into projects is one focus of the Executive Director for the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC). Paula Stepp, local community activist and previous MCWC board member, took on the position in December 2020 to facilitate water-related projects and to work collaboratively on fire restoration efforts.

Maintaining the flow and distribution of water from Colorado rivers and streams relies on good communication and coordination. Stakeholders from the Middle Colorado watershed spent two and half years putting together a list of projects and objectives as part of an Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) directed by Project Manager Laurie Rink. Paula’s role is to take the next steps to begin coordinating project funding and implementation.

In 2020, more than 171,400 acres burned during the Grizzly Creek and Pink Gulch fires in Garfield County last year. In her role as Executive Director, Paula will work with municipal, county, state and nonprofit entities to mitigate impacts and restore fire-impacted areas from these fires.

Paula has resided and worked in the Glenwood area since 1979 as a business consultant, educational promoter, community organizer, and nonprofit advocate with a work history in media and the outdoor industry. She recently served on Glenwood Springs City Council and is a member of the Western and Rural Colorado Health Coalition.