Mike MacDonald’s Nearly Two Decades with the CAC

At the March 19 Board Meeting, Administrator Anna Eleria, Board President Joe Collins, and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Co-Chair Mary Lilly shared appreciation of Mike MacDonald for his 19 years of service with the CAC following his retirement from the committee.

Established in 1998, Capitol Region Watershed District’s (CRWD’s) Community Advisory Committee (CAC), formerly the Citizen Advisory Committee, assists the Board of Managers with organizational development, planning processes and program implementation. The CAC strengthens the connections between CRWD and District residents.

Mike joined the CAC in August 2006 as a Como neighborhood resident passionate about the environment. Mike is a hydrologist and worked for the State of Minnesota for many years with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture. Before joining the CAC, Mike was active on the District 10 Como Community Council Environment Committee.

During his nearly two decades of service with the CAC, Mike devoted his time to protecting and improving our lakes and the Mississippi River by bringing attention to water and natural resources issues in and around Como Lake and throughout our watershed. He served on the Partner Grant Review Committee several times and offered his technical knowledge and community insight to numerous planning efforts.

Celebrating the Work of Watershed Stewards

Mike served as CAC co-chair for several years, and his leadership was instrumental in creating CRWD’s Watershed Steward Awards. The CAC helped launch the awards to honor people and partners in the District who have done good work for clean water. Starting in 2014, Mike and David Arbeit, a former CAC member of 25 years, worked alongside staff and the Board to plan the first few years of the Awards Program. Mike not only nominated several winners over the years but also volunteered to present at the 2014 – 2016 Awards ceremonies and again in 2020. He recognized the immense value of showing our appreciation to partners and residents who significantly contribute to protecting clean water. He was a firm advocate that we can further the District’s goals to protect and improve our water resources by empowering and supporting the work of individuals and partners.

In a 2014 email to fellow CAC members, Mike encouraged them to send award nominations.

We are the citizen eyes and ears in the District. We know people that are worth our recognition. Our recognition shows that we support them in their work. I would hope with our public recognition that they will continue to do more of the good things that they do. 

A decade later, the Annual Watershed Stewards Award Program remains an important initiative. Recent award winners have shared that recognition matters and allows them to savor their outstanding accomplishments.

Gratitude for Mike’s Dedication

Mike has always been a dedicated and engaged member of the CAC, and we will miss his curiosity, thoughtfulness and wisdom. Thank you, Mike, for your many years of service and your commitment to spotlighting the good work of many others.

CRWD staff and fellow CAC members shared appreciation for Mike.

“Mike spent his career in the water resources field, so he was a great source of knowledge on the CAC. I really enjoyed the questions he asked about different projects I was able to discuss with the CAC over the last ten years. He is a good neighbor and community member – showing up and volunteering for community events.” – Sarah Wein, CRWD Water Resource Project Manager

“Mike, you have been a steady and strong supporter of the CAC for many years; always reliable and always an active participant. I’m so grateful for your service. Thank you for giving your time and energy to CRWD. Wishing you the best in the coming years.” – Mary Lilly, current CAC co-chair

“Michael, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Capitol Region Watershed District and the CAC. With your experience as a state agency hydrologist and extensive knowledge of Minnesota’s water resource protection efforts, you always provided us with valuable insight and analysis in considering the various environmental water resource projects and goals of the District. You will be missed on the CAC but know that your commitment and natural resource contributions will have a lasting impact on all at the District.” – Michelle Ulrich, CAC Member

Be Like Mike – Join the CAC

You can be like Mike. The CAC is actively recruiting new members from residents within CRWD’s boundaries in Roseville, Lauderdale, Falcon Heights, Maplewood, and Saint Paul. Current CAC members span a wide range of ages and bring a breadth of experience to CRWD, with some members having backgrounds working in natural resources, government and nonprofits. If you live in CRWD and are passionate about protecting our nearby lakes and the Mississippi River, consider applying to join the CAC. View and download the CAC application form PDF.