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

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 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.

Despite this growth potential, many local economies 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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