A Village Worth Defending
A Village Worth Defending
We all know the saying, It takes a village. In Wyoming, and especially in the outdoor industry, that couldn’t be more true. In recent months, I’ve seen our village stand together more powerfully than I have in a long time.
The past few years have tested our industry in just about every way. If someone isn’t already writing a white paper on the economic whiplash we’ve endured, they should be.
We’ve weathered:
The 2020 COVID-era supply chain shutdowns.
The mid-pandemic boom in outdoor participation.
The post-COVID retail slump that left inventory piled high.
This year’s cuts to federal agency staffing that left trail crews, nonprofits, and national parks scrambling.
Federal budget cuts that put community projects on pause.
And ongoing tariffs that rattle manufacturers, retailers, and brands large and small.
But none of those challenges united us like the recent push to sell our public lands. Across party lines, business owners, sportsmen, guides, manufacturers, and local groups spoke up, because when public lands are at risk, our entire ecosystem is too.
The outdoor recreation industry is a $2 billion economy in Wyoming, supporting over 15,000 jobs. Pair that with the fact that tourism is Wyoming’s second-largest economic driver, and the village comes into view. Visitors come here to hunt, fish, hike, ski, bike, and ride. Behind each of those experiences is a network of businesses offering gear, guides, meals, and lodging—and nonprofits building and maintaining trails, defending wildlife habitat, and advocating for the policies that keep the village running.
Consider this: John is on a road trip. He’s come to Wyoming to visit our State Parks, but he’s also interested in the mountain biking opportunities. He stops by the local bike shop to rent a bike. While he’s there, he picks up a map of the the trail network that local non-profits, the City, the State Trails Program, and BLM worked together to build and maintain on public lands. Before he rides he’ll need fuel, he swings by the local grab-and-go for a burrito. After his ride, he jumps in his RV and heads to Thermopolis to sit in the hot springs and have dinner. Tomorrow he’ll test his luck fishing the Bighorn. But first, he’ll need flies, and a map, and a burrito.
Governor Gordon recently said, “Wyoming has the best outdoor recreation in the country.”
I couldn’t agree more. We already have what so many places are trying to build: outdoor spaces that strengthen communities, improve public health, and boost local economies. And yet, we’re still fighting to keep them.
Though Senator Lee’s proposal was ultimately removed from the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, it’s unlikely to be the last attempt at public land sales. When future threats emerge, I hope our policymakers, will reflect on this moment and remember the village.
And if you believe this village is worth defending, donate during WyoGives to show your support!
