The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the selection of Garrett Fish as the new state conservationist in Idaho. Fish will start the position at the end of November. 

“Garrett brings a strong blend of technical expertise and leadership experience to this role. His deep commitment to locally led conservation will serve Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and forestland stewards well as he steps into this new chapter,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley.  

Over the years, Fish has developed broad expertise across technical and leadership roles, business tools and IT development, data governance, and program management.  

“I am excited to lead NRCS in Idaho as the next State Conservationist. Agriculture and our working lands are rooted in Idaho’s identity and are vital to local and rural communities,” Fish said. “I am committed to working closely with our conservation partners to assist our farmers, ranchers, and foresters to provide meaningful assistance ensuring these working lands remain healthy and productive.” 

Fish began his NRCS career in 2009 as a Soil Conservation Technician in Ephrata, Washington. Fish has served in four states, first relocating from Washington to Sioux City, Iowa, in 2015, to become a Business Tools Specialist, then joining the Management & Strategy team in the Iowa State Office. In 2021, Fish was selected as the Assistant State Conservationist for Management and Strategy in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

In 2024, Fish joined the Office of the Associate Chief before returning to Utah to serve as the Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, where he implemented a framework to improve program delivery and strengthen alignment with locally led priorities. 

Originally from Troy, Montana, Fish is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, and trail running.  

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.