Born and raised on a cattle ranch and wheat farm in North Dakota, Barry Reiswig developed a deep connection to the land from an early age. This passion led him to earn a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, setting the stage for a 30-year career managing national wildlife refuges across the West, from the untamed landscapes of Alaska to the rugged high desert of Nevada.

Barry’s work included leadership roles at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, where he championed the protection of some of the West’s most iconic species and landscapes. His commitment to wild places extended beyond his career—he’s been a dedicated horse packer for nearly four decades, logging nearly 200 pack trips into some of the most remote and breathtaking wilderness areas.

A true traditionalist at heart, Barry also has a love for primitive black powder rifles. There’s nothing quite like the smell of black powder smoke in the morning—a scent that, for him, embodies the spirit of the frontier and a life well-lived in the wild.

Panel: Imagining the Ideal

Presentation Description: I will examine the biological and political ramifications of livestock removal from Hart Mountain and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuges, with a detailed analysis of the interconnected biological and political factors that shaped the outcome. Additionally, I will offer a forward-looking perspective on the future of grazing on public lands in the current era—perhaps with a touch of speculation, just for good measure.