Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute Release State Outdoor Recreation Report
Published April 07, 2026
The University of Wyoming’s Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Institute and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation have released their annual report on outdoor recreation and its positive impact on Wyoming’s economy. (Jess Perry Photo)
The University of Wyoming’s Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation have released their annual report on outdoor recreation and its positive impact on Wyoming’s economy.
This report documents several key elements of the industry’s contribution to the state.
“We’re excited for the release of our annual report,” says Mark Tesoro, manager for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “It showcases how essential it is for agencies, businesses and organizations to collectively invest in keeping outdoor recreation an important part of our culture, community and economy.”
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’s (BEA) recently released data showed that outdoor recreation’s positive impact on Wyoming’s economy in 2024 included generating 16,545 jobs and contributing $2.3 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, a 0.5 percent increase from 2023’s statistics.
Visitors and residents of Wyoming enjoyed hunting, shooting and trapping, bringing in $109 million and ranking as the state’s top economic contributor in the outdoor recreation sector. In a close second, RVing brought in nearly $90 million, underscoring the state as a premier destination for travelers and recreationists.
“The 2024 BEA data further validate outdoor recreation as a long-term economic development strategy for Wyoming,” says Dan McCoy, director of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. “Sustained expansion of this sector strengthens economic resilience; broadens revenue streams; and supports the vitality of communities throughout the state.”
Also highlighted in the report are updates on the Outdoor Recreation Collaboratives, 12 regularly convening groups facilitated by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation that bring together supporters of the outdoor recreation industry.
Official announcements about the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund also are featured. The fund was finalized during the state’s 2024 legislative session, and its intent is to promote, preserve and enhance Wyoming’s outdoor recreation and tourism infrastructure.
Details about the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit, Mountain West Trails Conference and the Wyoming Firearms and Outdoor Recreation Expo are touched on, all of which promise to unite outdoor-recreation enthusiasts and experts in the state.
To access the digital version of the report, go to .
For more information about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, go to . For more information about the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, visit /worth.
