Wyoming’s outdoor recreation industry faces uncertainty following federal budget cuts that have resulted in job losses across agencies responsible for managing public lands.
The reductions, which affected positions within the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, have raised concerns about the state’s ability to maintain trails, campgrounds, and other essential infrastructure that supports tourism and local businesses.
Wyoming Pathways, a nonprofit dedicated to trail development, anticipates a slowdown in its projects due to funding freezes.
“Ninety percent of our budget is federal funds to get work done,” said Executive Director Mike Kusiek. “Funding streams are frozen.” Even if funds are eventually restored, he questioned whether enough staff would remain to implement them effectively.
Public land management is critical to Wyoming’s outdoor economy, which generated $2.2 billion last year, according to a report by WyoFile.
The state’s reliance on federal resources to support national parks, forests, and recreation areas means that cuts could have broad implications for tourism and local businesses that depend on visitor spending.
“Without a well-staffed workforce, we risk losing the very resources that allow Wyoming’s outdoor economy to flourish and our way of life to persist,” said Addi Jenkins, executive director of the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance.
The impact is already being felt in places like Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, where staffing levels have been reduced. Reports indicate that Grand Teton lost five employees and Yellowstone seven.
This reduction in personnel could affect park operations, including visitor services and emergency response efforts. Superintendent Cam Sholly has previously emphasized the need for increased staffing to handle growing crowds.
“You need people to manage people, and you need people to protect this park,” he said.
The Wyoming Outdoor Council noted in a recent statement that public land management agencies now face constraints that could impact fire prevention, campground maintenance, and the responsible use of public lands.
Local economies, particularly in gateway communities, are expected to feel the ripple effects of reduced federal staffing, which could potentially have consequences for businesses reliant on tourism.
At the state level, Wyoming officials are working to assess the full impact of these cuts. David Glenn, director of the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
“We really don’t know how it’s going to affect outdoor recreation and other services in Wyoming, but we know it’s going to affect them to some degree,” he said.
The state is assembling a team to explore ways to support affected areas, including the possibility of state parks stepping in to fill some gaps left by federal agencies.
The situation remains fluid, with many questions about how staffing shortages will influence public land access and the visitor experience.
For businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector, potential disruptions in land management services could lead to operational challenges, including maintenance delays, reduced visitor services, and possible restrictions on recreational activities.
If these trends continue, the long-term stability of Wyoming’s outdoor tourism economy could be at risk.
Industry professionals are encouraged to stay informed and engage with policymakers to advocate for solutions that support both public land stewardship and the businesses that depend on it.
As stakeholders await further clarity, the hope is that collaboration between state and federal entities can mitigate some of the disruptions and sustain the growth of Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy.