The Origins Foundation Podcast

Field Leaders Ep. 2 - Director Brian Nesvik || U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service

Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Ashley Smith (with The Origins Foundation)
Guest: Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Episode Overview

This episode of the Field Leaders series features Brian Nesvik, recently appointed Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Ashley Smith leads a candid conversation exploring Nesvik’s background, the intersection of state and federal wildlife management, hot-button issues such as the Endangered Species Act, predator management (with focus on wolves, grizzly bears, and barred owls), and the future direction of the FWS. The episode provides a rare, insider’s perspective on conservation leadership, dispels common misconceptions, and delves into both the policy and the human dimensions of fish and wildlife management.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brian Nesvik’s Unique Career Path

• Background: Dual career in wildlife management and the military.
  • Started as a game warden in Wyoming, rose to Director of Game & Fish.
  • Served in the Wyoming Army National Guard, ultimately as Brigadier General.
• Work-Life Balance: Managed parallel leadership roles in state wildlife law enforcement and the military, all while raising a family.
  • "It wasn't all about what Brian Nesvik did. It's about what the whole team did." (Brian Nesvik, 11:21)

2. Exposure to Wildlife Careers

• Early Inspiration: Chose to be a game warden after a formative hunting trip at age 14.
  • "I want this to be my office. I want to be outside and interacting with the people ... never lost sight of that goal." (Brian Nesvik, 12:21)
• Importance of Outreach: Many kids lack awareness of wildlife career paths; field interactions can spark lifelong interests.

3. State vs. Federal Wildlife Management—Jurisdiction & Misconceptions

• Common Misunderstanding: Many believe the FWS manages all U.S. wildlife.
  • "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not manage all our nation's wildlife—states have responsibility within their borders with a few exceptions." (Brian Nesvik, 15:10)
• Federal Exceptions: FWS is mandated by laws such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

4. Clarifying Interior Department Agencies

• FWS is separate from the National Park Service, focusing on refuges and endangered species rather than national parks and visitor management (17:50–18:49).

5. National Wildlife Refuge System—Priorities & Review

• Current Review: Nesvik ordered a comprehensive assessment of the refuge and hatchery systems due to chronic funding shortages and neglected maintenance.
  • "It's really to look at ... how can we use the National Wildlife Refuge System in a better way to serve the American people—superior service ..." (Brian Nesvik, 21:40)
• Goals: Address duplicity, gaps, deferred maintenance, and ensure alignment with statutory obligations.

6. Endangered Species Act (ESA)—Effectiveness & Reform

• Low Delisting Rates: Only 2–3% of listed species have been delisted.
  • Driven by litigation and administrative challenges rather than science alone.
• Intent vs. Reality: Intended as a tool for recovery and delisting, but now often inhibits return of management to states due to process and legal complications.
• Private Lands & Overreach: ESA's impact has spilled beyond its original intent, affecting private land use (26:20).
• Outlook: Nesvik is ready to support Congressional updates to the ESA, describing the act as “ripe ... for looking at some change.” (28:55)

7. Controversial Predator Management Issues

• Barred Owl Culling to Protect Spotted Owls:

  • Based on sound science, targeted removals are expected to benefit native spotted owls and facilitate timber industry objectives.
  • "Killing owls just doesn't seem right ... but this is truly wildlife management in action." (Brian Nesvik, 33:14)

• Grizzly Bear Recovery:

  • Nesvik unequivocally believes grizzlies are biologically recovered by all scientific criteria.
  • "It's not what I believe, it's what the science says." (Brian Nesvik, 35:55)
  • Delisting hampered by litigation—particularly for Greater Yellowstone populations overturned twice in court.

• Wolves and State-Federal Tensions (Colorado Case Study):

  • Colorado’s wolf reintroduction ignored some provisions of the MOU and involved known livestock depredators.
  • FWS is actively working with state officials to realign with federal agreements and address rancher concerns.

• Public Emotions Around Wolves:

  • Wolves evoke strong and diverse emotions; perspectives range from spiritual reverence to fear.
  • "Bottom line is ... they got big teeth and they eat things. They eat big things ... they need to be managed like other wildlife." (Brian Nesvik, 41:50)

• Hunting Bans & Conservation Model:

  • Discussion of a proposed Oregon ballot measure to ban all hunting, with Nesvik expressing belief such “extreme perspective” initiatives have little chance of success (44:27).

8. Director Nesvik’s Personal Motivations & Vision

• Commitment: Not a career bureaucrat; intends to make measurable impact in a short tenure.

  • "I came for a short period of time to take on a few of these challenges that I felt were really important ... and because I thought I could get something done that's good for the people of America." (Brian Nesvik, 46:44)

• Top Priorities for Tenure:

  • ESA Reform: Streamline delisting process, return management to states where scientifically justified.
  • Refuge System: Improve operations, maintenance, and public access for hunting and fishing.
  • Permitting: Increase efficiency and speed, especially on import/export and CITES-related permits.

• Personal Connection to Hunting:

  • Enjoys hunting a wide range of game, with particular passion for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and ducks.

9. Expanding Public Access to Refuges

• New Policy: Directive to open all compatible refuges to hunting and fishing within two years (except in special circumstances).
  • “If it’s compatible, we’re going to allow it ... that’s the charge from the Secretary and I fully support it.” (Brian Nesvik, 51:59)
• Community Impact: More youth and families will gain outdoor skills and connection to wildlife.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Career Balance:
  "I had to prioritize a lot of times in a way that made some people happy and some people not so happy ... it wasn’t all about what Brian Nesvik did. It’s about what the whole team did.”
  — Brian Nesvik (11:21)

• On FWS Jurisdiction:
  "States have the responsibility to manage wildlife within their borders, with very few exceptions ... the Fish and Wildlife Service needs to focus on their statutory mandates and get out of the way.”
  — Brian Nesvik (15:05)

• On Endangered Species Act Effectiveness:
  "We do not have a good, strong track record of recovering and delisting species ... There are Many species that are fully recovered by all biological metrics, but are still on the list because of administrative challenges in the courts."
  — Brian Nesvik (26:20)

• On Barred Owl Management:
  "Killing owls just doesn’t seem right ... but this is truly wildlife management in action.”
  — Brian Nesvik (33:14)

• On Grizzly Bear Recovery:
  "Absolutely, I believe the grizzly bear is recovered. And it’s not what I believe, it’s what the science says." — Brian Nesvik (35:55)

• On Wolves:
  "Bottom line is ... they got big teeth and they eat things. They eat big things ... they need to be managed like other wildlife." — Brian Nesvik (41:50)

• On Short Tenure and Intent:
  "I came for a short period of time to take on a few of these challenges ... not to stay forever in DC and get entrenched."
  — Brian Nesvik (46:44)

• On Refuges and Public Access:
  "We will have essentially every refuge open to hunting and fishing where that use is compatible ... I fully support it.”
  — Brian Nesvik (52:04)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Nesvik’s background & dual careers: 03:04 – 10:08
• Nature of state vs. federal wildlife management: 15:05 – 19:01
• National Wildlife Refuge System review: 19:01 – 23:50
• Endangered Species Act discussion: 24:50 – 29:57
• Barred owl & predator management: 31:28 – 35:30
• Grizzly bear recovery: 35:55 – 37:57
• Wolves, Colorado, and public controversy: 38:27 – 44:27
• Expanding refuge access to hunting/fishing: 51:29 – 52:21

Conclusion

The episode delivers a nuanced, transparent look at the complexity of U.S. wildlife management, guided by both scientific principles and the realities of law and public opinion. Director Brian Nesvik’s practical approach and willingness to tackle controversy head-on, paired with Origins Foundation’s focus on elevating truthful conservation storytelling, make this discussion essential listening for anyone invested in the future of America’s wildlife and wild spaces.