Governor Greg Gianforte announced today that Dustin Temple, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), will retire at the end of the year after a distinguished 20-year career with the agency.
“I am grateful to Dustin for his service to FWP for two decades and for the outstanding progress he has made at one of Montana’s most important agencies,” Governor Gianforte said. “Thanks to Dustin’s strong leadership, FWP has focused on its core mission, improved customer service, and made significant strides toward delisting the grizzly bear. His efforts have also vastly increased public access to our lands, guided by the best available science over ideological agendas. I wish him great success in his well-earned retirement.”
Temple, appointed by Gianforte as director in June 2023, previously served as FWP’s deputy director and as chief of administration in the director’s office. Throughout his career, he played a key role in advancing FWP’s mission to serve Montanans and protect the state’s natural resources.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work FWP has accomplished with Governor Gianforte leading our state,” Temple said. “I promised to deliver on FWP’s vision for Montanans, serving them well and protecting our Montana way of life for generations to come. In retirement, I look forward to watching FWP continue to succeed under Governor Gianforte’s strong, clear-eyed leadership. I am confident Acting Director Yoshioka will build on our progress and deliver the quality customer service Montanans expect.”
With Temple’s departure, Marina Yoshioka, FWP’s chief operating officer, will serve as acting director. Yoshioka is expected to continue the agency’s work to enhance public access, prioritize science-based management, and maintain the state’s natural heritage for future generations.
Temple’s retirement marks the end of a career defined by dedication to public service and conservation, leaving a lasting impact on one of Montana’s most vital agencies.
By: DNU staff