In the early days of 2020, Lander, Wyoming experienced a surge in visitors as people sought outdoor activities in less populated areas. The Wind River mountains proved to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the region’s scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Across the United States, the outdoor recreation sector has seen significant growth since the start of the pandemic. New data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that this sector contributed over $1 trillion in economic output in 2022, making it a significant force in the economy, accounting for 2.2% of the national GDP.
Despite this growth potential, many local economies rely on public lands maintained by federal workers. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a government shutdown affecting these areas, which could have a significant impact on mountain towns such as Lander.
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