RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — Ducks Unlimited (DU) is pleased to announce that Justin “J” Shirley has joined the organization as Director of Conservation Programs for Utah and Idaho, where he will lead DU’s conservation delivery efforts across both states and help advance some of the most impactful wetland and water conservation initiatives in the Pacific Flyway.
Shirley brings more than two decades of wildlife conservation and natural resource management experience to DU. He began his career with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in 2002 as a conservation officer and rose through the agency’s ranks, serving as law enforcement chief before being appointed director in 2021. During his tenure, he helped guide major habitat restoration and public land conservation efforts while strengthening partnerships among state agencies, conservation organizations and local communities.
Shirley most recently served as acting director and principal deputy director at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he has testified before Congress and played an integral role in leading the agency's conservation mission.
“J is a proven conservation leader with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing wildlife, wetlands and water resources across the region,” said Jeff McCreary, DU’s director of operations for the Western Region. “His experience building partnerships and delivering meaningful conservation outcomes makes him the ideal person to lead our work in Utah and Idaho.”
In his new role, Shirley will oversee DU’s ambitious and nationally recognized Utah conservation program, including the Great Salt Lake Initiative. Through collaborative partnerships, DU has helped restore and enhance thousands of acres of wetland habitat in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem while securing tens of millions of dollars in investments that benefit wildlife, water resources, outdoor recreation and local communities.
“I’ve spent my career working to conserve wildlife habitat and strengthen partnerships that make conservation possible,” Shirley said. “DU has a long history of delivering on-the-ground results, and I’m excited to help build on that success in Utah, Idaho and across the Pacific Flyway.”
Shirley’s appointment comes as DU continues to deliver on its promise to secure $100 million in fundraising and conserve 50,000 acres through its Great Salt Lake Initiative.
Media Contact
Molly Jarone
Regional Communications Coordinator
Western United States Region
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 20 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
