What a BLM Natural Resource Specialist Does: An Interview with Nikki Carter

Meet Nikki Carter, Natural Resource Specialist in the Bureau of Land Management’s Northeastern States District Office. Nikki’s work is central to the stewardship of public lands, blending environmental protection with practical fieldwork across challenging Midwestern landscapes. Her role often prompts a familiar question: What exactly does a Natural Resource Specialist do? In this interview, Nikki shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the importance of her work, and why it matters for both the environment and the next generation. 

Where do you do your work, and what is a core responsibility of your role?

As a natural resource specialist (NRS) in Wisconsin, my office isn’t surrounded by desert mesas or mountain peaks, it’s made up of scattered, hard‑to‑reach islands mostly in the Midwest. My work balances federal environmental law with often-soggy field time. A major responsibility is year-round consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, assessing project impacts on listed species and coordinating avoidance and minimization measures. Although I collaborate across multiple states, my daily workspace is here, where geographic isolation makes teamwork essential. 

How do partnerships support your mission?

Teamwork is the backbone of our success. We frequently coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources and the Milwaukee County Parks Department, sharing expertise to support events and assist with their largescale projects. Because our footprint spans a wide territory, I rarely work with the same office twice, which keeps communication and collaboration constant. 

What’s unique about managing island ecosystems in the Midwest?

Island management means maximizing the Midwest’s brief field season — the magical window when thaw becomes growth. Last year, while scouting for native seeds to restore rehabilitated ground, I found a small population of nodding rattlesnake root (Prenanthes crepidinea), a sensitive, state listed plant. We quickly enclosed the area and rerouted a nearby trail to prevent trampling. It was a small but meaningful win that demonstrates why vigilance matters.

What inspires you to do this work?

My motivation runs deeper than job descriptions. I grew up on shows like Captain Planet and FernGully, reading in trees and pocketing acorns. I still remember seeing my first luna moth (Actias luna) when I was just a sprout — it felt like I was being trusted with a secret. Moments like that inspire lifelong stewardship. That’s why outreach is a priority. At this spring’s Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo, thousands of attendees visited dozens of stations; we taught kids about native plants and handed out homemade seedstarter kits. Many young people lack easy access to outdoor experiences, and offering a path to awe may be the most durable investment we make in public lands. 

Which technical skills matter most?

Geographic information systems (GIS) competency is essential — manipulating shapefiles, mapping, and performing analyses are common tasks. But the traits that define a successful NRS aren’t all technical. Respect for the living world matters. A teaspoon of soil can hold miles of fungal hyphae — the threads of a mycelial network found nowhere else in the universe. It’s hard not to feel awe. 

How can the public help?

Being an NRS is more than statutes and shapefiles; it’s protecting the unquantifiable magic of place. That work requires partner agencies, local communities, and especially the next generation. The next time you step outside, look a little closer. Find your own moment of wonder—and help keep these wild spaces alive for the sprouts coming up behind us.