Amidst the pandemic, many individuals found themselves restless at home and seeking outdoor activities in less populated areas. This led to an influx of visitors in Lander, Wyoming, where they were attracted to the region’s scenic beauty and outdoor activities. However, this wasn’t just a local phenomenon – across the United States, the outdoor recreation sector has seen significant growth since the start of the pandemic. According to new data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed over $1 trillion in economic output in 2022. This sector has become a significant force in the economy, comprising 2.2% of the national GDP.

Despite this growth and potential for local economies, many of them 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. As a journalist committed to providing fact-based and approachable reporting on these issues, Marketplace is dedicated to ensuring that their reporting remains relevant and timely for their audience. Your financial support helps to make this possible by sustaining their efforts and allowing them to continue reporting on important topics that affect our daily lives.