Amid the pandemic, Lander, Wyoming experienced a surge in visitors seeking outdoor activities and scenic beauty in less populated areas. This trend is not limited to Lander as the outdoor recreation sector has seen significant growth across the United States. According to new data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed over $1 trillion in economic output in 2022, representing 2.2% of the national GDP.

Despite this growth and potential for local economies, many of these areas rely on public lands maintained by federal workers. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a government shutdown affecting these areas and their surrounding mountain towns, including Lander. As such, it is important to monitor the impact of market trends and events on our lives and support organizations that provide fact-based and approachable reporting on these issues.

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