Celebrating Kevin Bixby: A Lifetime of Advocacy for Wildlife
Celebrating Kevin Bixby: A Lifetime of Advocacy for Wildlife
After decades of tireless work to protect wildlife and wildlands, Kevin Bixby is retiring—leaving behind an incredible legacy of advocacy, courage, and leadership.
Kevin’s journey began in the early 1990s when he founded the Southwest Environmental Center (SWEC) in New Mexico. Under his leadership, SWEC became a powerful force for conservation, taking on threats to the region’s landscapes and the species that call them home. From restoring river ecosystems to challenging destructive policies, Kevin led with conviction and an unshakable belief in the intrinsic value of wildlife.
Through his work, Kevin came to a profound realization: As long as wildlife policy was controlled by those who viewed animals as little more than “resources” to be used, advocates would be stuck fighting the same battles over and over. Wildlife needed a new kind of governance—one that was democratic, science-driven, and rooted in compassion.
So Kevin and his team at SWEC launched Wildlife for All, an organization and a national movement to reform state wildlife management and bring about systemic change. Under his leadership, Wildlife for All has challenged outdated policies, mobilized advocates across the country, and pushed for a future where wildlife is managed not for narrow interests, but for the health of entire ecosystems.
Kevin’s vision and determination have inspired so many of us. He has shown that real change is possible, even in the face of entrenched opposition. His legacy isn’t just in the organizations he’s built or the policies he’s influenced—it’s in the countless people he has mentored, empowered, and united in the fight for wildlife justice.
As Kevin steps into retirement, we celebrate his remarkable career and the movement he helped build. His work will continue to shape the future of wildlife management for years to come.
Thank you, Kevin, for everything you’ve done to make the world wilder, fairer, and more compassionate. Happy retirement!