Image by Pamela Huber.

The nomination of Brian Nesvik to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should alarm anyone who values science-based conservation. His tenure as director of Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department raises serious concerns about his ability to steward America’s public lands and wildlife.

Wyoming’s conservation record is one of failure, particularly in wildlife disease management. The state has some of the sickest deer and elk populations due to chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurodegenerative illness spreading through state-run elk feedgrounds. Despite clear scientific recommendations to phase out these feedgrounds, Wyoming has prioritized industry interests—trophy hunting outfitters and ranchers—over wildlife protection.

Beyond disease management, Wyoming has consistently resisted federal conservation efforts. The state’s hostility toward public lands dates back to Grand Teton National Park’s creation when a Wyoming senator likened it to the attack on Pearl Harbor. This hostility persists—just this year, state legislators urged the federal government to transfer all public lands (except Yellowstone) to state control. Such resistance raises doubts about Nesvik’s ability to protect public lands and wildlife at the national level.

Wyoming touts its investment in wildlife management, yet declining populations and rampant disease tell a different story. The state’s predator policies and mismanagement of big game species have led to unhealthy ecosystems statewide. If Nesvik brings this flawed philosophy to the national stage, the consequences for America’s wildlife could be dire.

Governor Mark Gordon has claimed Wyoming successfully recovered black-footed ferrets, but the facts say otherwise. The state allows widespread shooting and poisoning of prairie dogs—the ferret’s primary food source. After 44 years of conservation, only 350-400 black-footed ferrets remain in the state. A 2025 Wyoming law permits shooting prairie dogs from vehicles. Other species, such as the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse and Sage Grouse, also continue to decline under state management. Nesvik’s record offers little hope for stronger federal protections.

Nesvik’s nomination threatens the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a cornerstone of American conservation. His track record suggests he would weaken key protections under the guise of state-led management. Wyoming has repeatedly pushed to prematurely remove species from ESA protection, prioritizing economic interests over long-term conservation. Nesvik co-authored a 2020 letter with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association calling for the ESA’s “overreach” to be curtailed. If appointed, he could expedite delistings and shift policies to favor industry over imperiled species.

The Fish and Wildlife Service needs a leader committed to conservation, not one with a history of undermining it. Nesvik is the wrong choice for this position, and his nomination should be rejected.

Wyoming boasts world-class wildlife, but that is despite the state’s leadership, not because of it. Fortunately, federal oversight has helped protect public lands and imperiled species. However, if Nesvik is confirmed, he would oversee the Fish and Wildlife Service, and all Americans who value these national treasures will pay the price.

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