Public Lands & the Economy
Good for business, good for Wyoming.
The Keep it Public, Wyoming coalition includes outfitters and outdoor suppliers, realtors and ranches, loggers and manufacturers, coffee shops and other main street businesses—working together because public lands power our economy.
Wyoming’s pro-business policies and wide open spaces make for a state where both people and commerce can thrive. Public lands support our core industries, like natural resources and agriculture, while fueling emerging markets and attracting new talent.
Traditional Wyoming livelihoods rely on public lands.
More than 61,000 Wyomingites work in natural resource jobs—like energy development, mining, timber, and ranching—that rely directly on public lands. That’s over 10% of the state population.
Growing industries, like tourism and recreation, depend on our wide open spaces.
In 2024, outdoor recreation generated $2.3 billion in Wyoming, increasing by more than half a billion dollars over the last 5 years. And in 2025, tourists spent $5 billion at Wyoming businesses—supporting local economies in all 23 counties.
Public lands attract new talent, investment, and businesses.
Across the West, entrepreneurs and talented workers are choosing to work where they can enjoy access to the outdoors. Wyoming’s economic future depends on our ability to attract and retain employees drawn to our state’s natural beauty and high quality of life.
Turning over public lands to state or private ownership just doesn’t make sense. If Wyoming took over national public lands, the state would be forced to either sell off those lands or massively increase taxes on individuals and businesses. Industries that rely on access to public lands — like energy development, ranching, tourism, and outdoor recreation — would face significant uncertainties.
Our state economy depends on our public lands and natural resources, selling them off undercuts the local businesses and jobs that rely on access.
Business or organization looking to join?
Are you the owner of a Wyoming-based business or nonprofit organization? Please consider showing your support for our state’s public lands by joining the Keep it Public, Wyoming coalition. Inquire below.