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

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 outdoor recreation 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 and potential for local economies, many 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 like Lander.

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