(Washington, D.C.) – Brian Nesvik, a longtime leader in Wyoming wildlife conservation, was officially confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on Friday, August 1. The final confirmation vote was 54-43.
Nesvik, who served as Director of Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department for more than 29 years, was nominated by President Trump in February, is a University of Wyoming graduate and retired brigadier general in the Wyoming Army National Guard.
Wyoming’s congressional delegation and state leaders hailed the confirmation as a major win for both the state and national conservation efforts.
“Brian is the definition of qualified and represents the very best of Wyoming,” said U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who introduced Nesvik at his confirmation hearing in March. “As the new Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Brian will play a critical role in conserving our natural resources and responsibly managing our nation’s wildlife. He will take the reins at a time when politics – not science – has too often driven agency decisions. I look forward to working with Brian to restore science to conservation policies.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chair of the Senate Western Caucus, also voted in favor of Nesvik’s confirmation.
“Brian Nesvik is a breath of fresh air who will excel in his new role leading the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Lummis. “As demonstrated during the confirmation process, Brian brings a proven and impressive track record from Wyoming, where he effectively collaborated with federal, state, and local partners to achieve important conservation goals. I was proud to support Brian and pleased that the Senate has confirmed him as the new Director of the USFWS.”
Governor Mark Gordon praised the decision, calling Nesvik’s confirmation a major asset to the Trump Administration and to states managing complex wildlife issues.
“There simply has never been a more qualified Director for the agency,” said Gordon. “He brings decades of wildlife expertise, a collaborative approach to addressing complex issues, and exemplary leadership to the role. His confirmation is an asset to the Trump Administration, and he will serve as a strong advocate for western issues. His on-the-ground experience in Wyoming will lend essential oversight to the essential analysis of how federal policies apply to the day-to-day wildlife management within states. I am eager to continue working with Brian on Endangered Species Act reform, delisting of grizzly bears, and more.”
Nesvik retired from Wyoming Game and Fish in 2024 after nearly three decades with the agency. His appointment to lead USFWS marks the first time a former Wyoming Game and Fish Director has been confirmed to head the national agency.