Wyoming’s Own Brian Nesvik Tapped to Lead US Fish and Wildlife Service

It’s official—Brian Nesvik, a familiar face in Wyoming’s wildlife world, is headed to Washington. The US Senate confirmed him Friday as the next Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service in a 54-43 vote, making him the first former Wyoming Game and Fish director to take the national reins.

Nesvik spent more than 29 years working his way up the ladder at Wyoming Game and Fish, eventually leading the agency. He’s also a University of Wyoming grad and a retired brigadier general from the Wyoming Army National Guard—so yeah, he’s got some serious credentials.

Wyoming leaders are calling his confirmation a game-changer—not just for the state, but for national conservation efforts.

“Brian is the definition of qualified,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who introduced him at his confirmation hearing. “He’ll bring science—and sanity—back to conservation policy.”

Sen. Cynthia Lummis agreed, calling Nesvik “a breath of fresh air” and praising his ability to work across local, state, and federal levels.

Gov. Mark Gordon didn’t hold back either, calling Nesvik “the most qualified director the agency’s ever had.” Gordon says he’s looking forward to working with him on issues like Endangered Species Act reform and delisting grizzly bears—Wyoming’s long-running wildlife hot button.

Nesvik wrapped up his career with Game and Fish last year, but he clearly wasn’t done with wildlife. His new job puts him in charge of managing everything from national wildlife refuges to endangered species protections. With debates around conservation, energy development, and climate resilience heating up, it’s a critical moment for the agency.

His Wyoming roots and boots-on-the-ground experience are expected to shape his leadership style—and likely bring a more state-centered, pragmatic approach to some of the biggest environmental questions facing the country.

Wyoming’s making waves in DC—and Nesvik’s appointment just added another ripple.

The original story by Scott Fuller for County 10.