In the early months of 2020, Lander, Wyoming experienced an increase in visitors as people sought outdoor activities in less populated areas to avoid getting sick while feeling restless at home. The Wind River mountains attracted many outdoor enthusiasts due to their scenic beauty and various outdoor activities.

Across the United States, the outdoor recreation sector has experienced significant growth since the start of the pandemic. New data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveals that outdoor recreation contributed over $1 trillion in economic output in 2022, making it a vital force in the economy, accounting for 2.2% of the national GDP.

However, many local economies that rely on public lands maintained by federal workers are at risk due to concerns about potential government shutdowns affecting these areas. This could significantly impact mountain towns like Lander. Despite its potential benefits for local economies, it is crucial to ensure that public lands are properly maintained and protected for future generations’ enjoyment.

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