Study: Wildlife Related Recreation an Economic Driver in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching on Bureau of Land Management lands generate more than $3 billion in economic activity annually, according to a new Southwick Associates study. 

The report is the first to document how these specific activities across 12 western states support tens of thousands of jobs and generate significant local and state tax revenues. 

Joy Bannon, policy director for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, says these longstanding outdoor traditions don't just benefit local communities and the state financially.

"As an outdoors woman and mom of two small children, the BLM lands offer millions of acres of open space, angling opportunities, camping spots and hunting adventures that increase our quality of life here in Wyoming," she points out.

In Wyoming, more than 2,600 jobs accounting for more than $88 million in salaries and wages are supported by wildlife related recreation on public BLM lands. 

Those activities also generate $331 million in sales and add $24 million to state and local tax coffers.

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