Keith Westlake is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He started his Career in 2011 as a cooperative biologist in the SCEP program. After finishing his degree at Auburn University he began permanent employment as the Wildlife Refuge Specialist at Southeast Louisiana Refuges. At this location he has managed 3 National Wildlife Refuges which includes Bayou Sauvage, Breton and Delta National Wildlife Refuges. Keith’s experiences range across multiple habitats consisting of barrier islands, coastal wetlands, bottomland hardwoods and pine flat woods. Keith has been involved in many coastal restoration efforts and has taken the lead on many others. He has worked with endangered species such as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Gulf Sturgeon. Keith has conducted multiple aerial surveys for waterfowl, shore birds, feral pigs and oil spill response. He is a collateral wild land fire fighter with experience in prescribed fire of coastal habitats.
Leading up to Keith’s professional career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service he worked various jobs in the field of conservation. These consisted of employment through Universities and State agencies such as Auburn University, University of Georgia and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Prior to Keith’s educational and professional careers he served our country as a United States Marine. Keith enlisted in the United States Marine Corps September of 2001. He served for 5 years ultimately receiving an honorable discharge in 2006. Keith’s last 3 years of service were spent at Quantico Marine Corps Base where he was able to witness wildlife management in action. Quantico’s extensive wildlife management activities sparked Keith’s interest in the world of conservation.
Keith is married to Rebekah Westlake and they have two young children. The oldest child is their son Mack and the youngest is their daughter Josie. Keith and his family spend the majority of free time enjoying the outdoors. Keith is a dedicated waterfowl hunter and fisherman. Rebekah and their children enjoy the same activities and they utilize every opportunity to enjoy the local resources.
