Headshot of DNR Interim director Rory

Interim director named for Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

December 7, 2020
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With the pending retirement of Mike Fowlks, director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director Brian Steed has named Rory Reynolds, current DNR deputy director, to serve as DWR interim director.

Reynolds will begin serving as interim director on Jan. 1, 2021, and will fill that capacity until a new director is appointed. 

“Rory has extensive wildlife management experience and has worked closely with DWR in his recent capacity as DNR deputy director. His knowledge and expertise allow us to continue advancing key wildlife programs,” said Steed. “I’ve relied on Rory’s judgment and initiative to make sound management decisions. He’ll serve as a tremendous advocate of Utah’s wildlife, outdoor recreation and rural communities.”

 

Appointed DNR deputy director last year, Reynolds previously served as DWR assistant director. He started his career with DWR in 1990 as the habitat manager for the northern region. He has also worked for the division and department as the habitat section chief, southern region supervisor, habitat initiative coordinator and director of the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative. 

 

Throughout his career, Reynolds has focused on implementing partnership-driven wildlife and conservation solutions. His efforts concentrate on managing land in a way that balanced integrity and capacity by paying attention to cultural values for wildlife and the need for the land to provide an economic return. 

 

Reynolds has always strived to work closely with elected officials, state and federal natural resource agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector.