In recent years, Lander, Wyoming has experienced an influx of visitors as people sought outdoor activities in less populated areas. This surge in outdoor recreation is not limited to Lander, as the entire United States has seen significant growth in the sector since the start of the pandemic. New data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that outdoor recreation contributed over $1 trillion in economic output in 2022, making it a significant force in the economy, comprising 2.2% of the national GDP.
While the growth and potential of the outdoor recreation sector for local economies is clear, 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, which could have a significant impact on mountain towns such as Lander.
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