FWP Director Retires After 21 Years

After 21 years at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Hank Worsech is retiring as director, with deputy director for the agency Dustin Temple set to succeed him.

According to a release from Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Office on Friday, June 2, the governor appointed Worsech director of the department January of 2021 and he’s retiring following medical leave, which started in February.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to lead FWP and be a part of the governor’s administration,” Worsech said in the release. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a department, from working to reestablish public trust, to being a straightforward partner and honest broker with folks, to improving the agency’s culture.

“We couldn’t have done it without Dustin, and I couldn’t be leaving the department in better hands.”

Gianforte said he was “extremely grateful” Worsech came out of retirement to lead FWP, saying the agency under his leadership focused on customer service, science and public trust. The governor appointed Temple, who joined the agency in 2004, to succeed Worsech as director. Before becoming deputy director, he worked as chief of administration in the director’s office.

Temple said he was humbled by the confidence Gianforte placed in him.

“Just as Hank has, we’ll deliver on the governor’s vision for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – to serve Montanans well, provide sound science and reliable information to policymakers, and protect our Montana way of life for generations of Montanans to come,” Temple said.

Gianforte said Temple is a “proven leader and trusted voice” for stewardship of FWP resources.

“I look forward to Dustin’s continued service to Montana in this new capacity, and to benefitting from his expertise and leadership,” Gianforte said.