HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Nov 15th, announced Dustin Temple, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), will retire at the end of the year after a long career in public service, including 20 years at FWP.

“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,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to Dustin’s strong leadership, FWP has been focused on its core mission and improving customer service. We’ve worked together to put the best available science ahead of ideologically-driven agendas, to vastly increase public access to our public lands, and make tremendous strides toward delisting the grizzly bear. I wish him great success in his well-earned retirement.”

Appointed by Governor Gianforte as director in June 2023, Temple brought nearly two decades of experience with FWP to the role. He previously served as FWP’s deputy director and in the director’s office as chief of administration.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work FWP has accomplished with Governor Gianforte leading our state,” Director 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 continuing to watch FWP succeed under Governor Gianforte’s strong, clear-eyed leadership. I am confident Acting Director Yoshioka will continue building on our outstanding progress and deliver the quality customer service Montanans expect.”

Marina Yoshioka, chief operating officer at FWP, will serve as the agency’s acting director.