FIRST PERSON: Tyler Bosworth – Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is a vital organization, complete with biologists and enforcement agents to help manage, promote and protect the rich deposit of natural resources within the state.

In Southwest Louisiana, the presence of the LDWF is felt year-round as the area is home to Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and provides ample opportunities and locations for hunting and fishing. Thrive spoke with Tyler Bosworth, recently promoted to secretary of LDWF, about the work being done to conserve Louisiana’s resources and how Port Wonder’s Nature and Science Center is an exciting new addition to Lake Charles.

Bosworth is a Louisiana native who was raised in Gonzales where he graduated from East Accession High School before moving to Baton Rouge in 2005. He later joined the Army National Guard and graduated from Southeastern University in Hammond with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. He furthered his education, obtaining his juris doctor from Southern University Law Center. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and being outdoors, appropriate for someone who is leading Louisiana’s most important environmental agency.

Can you describe your previous job experience and how your positions prepared you for your current job as secretary for the LDWF?
I was an on-staff bill drafter for the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2018. I staffed the house committee for retirement for two years and then the natural resources and environment committee for four years. I learned the Louisiana Legislative process—rules, how to draft legislation and how to be a professional in state government. I already had an interest in the state’s resources and was lucky to find a position to do what I did in my free time professionally. My wife’s family has a camp down in Chauvin, in the Terrebonne Basin where we saltwater fish, shrimp, cook and have family time. Engaging in those activities gave me a passion for the resources we have in the state and coastal Louisiana.
I went on to become the advocacy director and lobbyist for Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, a nonprofit out of New Orleans, where I lead advocacy and outreach efforts. One project included working with area restaurants to recycle oyster shells to create a living shoreline. Two years ago, we ran a restaurant oyster tax credit so we could expand beyond New Orleans (Act 404). The program will soon include Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles.

In January 2024, I was tapped to be chief of staff and deputy secretary for the LDWF and also served as interim assistant secretary of wildlife and head legislative liaison to the Legislature. The position included heavily engaging in all operations of the department, such as management, strategic planning, etc.

As secretary, do you have a particular area you’re focusing on within the agency?
As secretary, I’m doing everything I did as chief of staff and deputy secretary, except now I’m the figurehead of the department. I’m involved in public engagement and decision making, whereas previously I was a confidential advisor.

Our executive team is still in place. We came together as a team to create a modern, professional organization that serves the sportsmen and commercial industries of Louisiana. That involved a brand-new strategic plan centered around strategic priorities. As long as we are focusing on these things, we’re moving in the right direction. The staff was receptive to the change, and it broke down silos. We work together with common goals, knowing what we’re working towards. I also intend to work very closely with the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission on policy setting.

What does the average day at work look like for you?
We kick off the day with an executive staff meeting, which involves open discussion and dialogue between various divisions. This helps us avoid tunnel vision. We then roll into regular business, which is different each day. Duties include press meeting, engaging with folks and hearing from constituents. Other days I go into the field and see areas we regulate.

One field project which stands out to me is the White Lake Conservation Area, which is in environmental decline due to saltwater intrusion, subsidence and erosion of levees along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s prime waterfowl habitat for migrating birds. I took a trip in March with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, legislators and engineers to do a site visit of priority projects for the property.

What makes you passionate about your job?
I’m an active user of Louisiana’s resources and thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. I get to make a material impact on the state of Louisiana so future generations will be able to utilize the resources as I do.

How did the LDWF become involved and partner with Port Wonder?
The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group, formed after the New Horizon BP Oil Spill, picked the project. They allocated $7 million to compensate for loss of recreational services due to the oil spill. We’ve been integrally involved from onset, working with the Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation on making decisions, assisting the foundation with being tenants, and providing fish and fisheries staff housed in the Science and Nature Center.

The space includes 15,000-gallon aquariums, a touch tank with native species of saltwater fish and crabs and stingrays, an oyster reef and a Rigs to Reef tank highlighting our artificial reef programs. The exhibits showcase the work Wildlife and Fisheries does every day. There’s also a fishing pier and walking trail on the lakefront where anyone can fish.

What are your goals and hopes regarding the Nature and Science Center within Port Wonder?
The goal and hope is that families find Port Wonder to be an educational resource and tool to highlight the work we do. Kids will engage with us in a fun way, and some might grow up and come to work for the department.

Port Wonder is one of the best things Southwest Louisiana has to drive Louisiana tourism, education and interest in local resources. It’s a pretty incredible venture. I would like to thank Mayor Nic Hunter for his leadership and for working with us and spearheading this project.