Retirement might not last long for former Wyoming Game and Fish director Brian Nesvik, as President Donald Trump nominated him to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
If confirmed, Nesvik will be leading the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) through some familiar territory — including the ongoing debate over whether to delist grizzly bears from federal protection in the Lower 48.
His purview will also expand to topics unfamiliar to Wyoming, such as the management of marine wildlife.
Nesvik told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday that he wasn’t yet at liberty to discuss the nomination.
Wyoming resident Rob Wallace, who used to oversee FWS, told Cowboy State Daily that Nesvik is good pick to head the federal agency.
“There’s an inherent tension between state game agencies and FWS. Brian has the wisdom and maturity to navigate between those two,” Wallace said.
Wallace was assistant secretary for the Interior under the first Trump administration and oversaw FWS and the National Park Service.
Nesvik began his career with Game and Fish in 1995 and was appointed director by Gov. Mark Gordon in 2019. He retired from Game and Fish in September of 2024.
He previously served the agency in various positions, including as a game warden, regional wildlife supervisor and chief game warden.
Nesvik also served with the Wyoming Army National Guard for 35 years before retiring at the rank of brigadier general. He commanded troops on two combat tours in Iraq and Kuwait.
No Stranger To Controversy
Nesvik is no stranger to handling tough situations and controversy.
He led Game and Fish through the COVID pandemic and the worldwide controversy over the alleged torture and killing of a wolf in Daniel, Wyoming, in February 2024.
If Nesvik is confirmed to take the helm at FWS, some of the challenges awaiting him could include possible reformation of the Endangered Species Act, protection for golden eagles, management of marine mammals and migratory birds, and regulating trafficking of wild plants and animals, Wallace said.
What About Grizzlies?
As Game and Fish Director, Nesvik openly endorsed delisting grizzly bears.
Trump’s Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, has also openly stated that he supports delisting grizzlies.
In light of those statements, it’s likely that Nesvik and Burgum will reconsider the FWS’s decision to reject petitions from Wyoming and Montana to delist grizzlies, Wallace said.
That decision was announced in December, just before former president Joe Biden left office.
Not everyone supports delisting grizzlies.
Wyoming Wildlife Advocates Executive Director Kristin Combs said the possibility of grizzlies being delisted in one reason why she has misgivings about Nesvik taking the helm at FWS.
“I think our biggest concern in Wyoming is the continuation of this anti-large carnivore approach,” Combs told Cowboy State Daily.
Wyoming Wildlife Advocates was among a coalition of environmental groups that joined top bear biologist Chris Servheen to petition the FWS to keep grizzlies protected in the Lower 48.
Servheen was the FWS grizzly bear recovery coordinator for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2016, and thinks grizzlies need more interconnected habitat in the Intermountain West.
Combs said she thinks that Nesvik also has a record of favoring energy development over wildlife conservation.
Big Endorsements
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis told Cowboy State Daily that Nesvik's background in Wyoming positioned him well for the job.
“Brian has spent his entire career serving the people of Wyoming and working alongside outfitters, hunters, landowners, fishermen, and anyone else who loves the great outdoors," Lummis said. That attitude and passion for balancing wildlife conservation and recreational access will serve him well in this important role."
"I look forward to working to get Brian confirmed as soon as possible,” she added.
Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and Gordon also came out strongly in support of Nesvik’s nomination.
In a social media post, Barrasso stated that Nesvik was an “outstanding choice” to head FWS.
Barrasso added that he is “looking forward to supporting his nomination in the U.S. Senate.”
Gordon issued a statement saying that he has confidence in Nesvik’s leadership abilities.
“Brian could not be more qualified and suited to serve in this significant role. He has had a long career in wildlife conservation and boasts extensive experience and leadership dealing with the complexities of endangered species issues,” according to Gordon’s statement.
Contact Mark Heinz at mark@cowboystatedaily.com
Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik plans to retire on Sept. 11. He’s worked for the agency since 1995 in a variety of roles, including as a game warden, regional wildlife supervisor and chief game warden. (Courtesy Wyoming Game and Fish Department) 
Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik plans to retire on Sept. 11. He’s worked for the agency since 1995 in a variety of roles, including as a game warden, regional wildlife supervisor and chief game warden. (Courtesy Wyoming Game and Fish Department) 
(Cowboy State Daily Staff)
