DWR Press Release
Fowlks will continue conservation work already underway
Salt Lake City — Mike Fowlks has been named interim director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). An avid hunter with a longtime career in wildlife law enforcement, Fowlks has more than 24 years’ experience with the DWR. He’s served as the agency’s deputy director since 2012.
Fowlks will serve as interim director until a permanent hiring decision is made, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Mike Styler announced earlier this week. Fowlks is replacing Greg Sheehan, who recently accepted the position of deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Fowlks began his career at the DWR as a field conservation officer in the agency’s Law Enforcement Section. He distinguished himself as a leader and quickly worked his way through the ranks, serving as the Law Enforcement Section chief for eight years. He also served as the agency’s liaison with the Utah Legislature between 1997 and 2003. Fowlks has been the DWR’s deputy director for the past five years.
“I am honored and humbled that Director Styler has confidence in my abilities to step into the director position on an interim basis,” Fowlks says. “I look forward to developing even stronger relationships and partnerships with all of our wildlife stakeholders as we meet the many challenges facing Utah’s wildlife. We will continue to succeed because, in my opinion, we have the most dedicated and professional employees of any state wildlife agency out there.”
Fowlks received his B.S. degree in zoology and animal biology from the University of Utah. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy for Law Enforcement Administrators and the National Conservation Leadership Institute.