UW’s WORTH Institute Releases Report on Economic and Community Benefits of Outdoor Recreation in Wyoming

The Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute at the University of Wyoming -- in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation -- has compiled a report to document several key elements of how this industry contributes to Wyoming's communities.

In 2023, the outdoor recreation industry generated $2.2 billion, or 4.1 percent, of Wyoming's GDP (gross domestic product). Since 2012, Wyoming has seen a 4.5 percent increase in annual growth of the outdoor recreation economy.

The report underscores how outdoor recreation directly supports 15,798 jobs in Wyoming across industries. It highlights the contributions to Wyoming's GDP by different outdoor industries, including snow sports, RVing (recreational vehicles), boating, fishing and sports activities that include golf and tennis. Similarly, it notes the activities that saw significant increases in 2023, such as shooting sports and canoeing.

The report also features outdoor recreation projects from around the state that were awarded funding from the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Grant program and the American Rescue Plan Act, both programs facilitated by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation.

These community-based initiatives were selected for funding based on their ability to impact local economies; provide new or improved recreational opportunities; take advantage of innovative partnerships; address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; provide equitable access; and represent a positive quality of life for users.

Finally, the report describes two events -- the eighth annual Governor's Match and the second annual Firearms and Outdoor Recreation Expo. The former is a shooting tournament, and the latter brings together and celebrates Wyoming-based manufacturers and other local partners.

"This current annual report helps highlight the economic importance of outdoor recreation to our state," says Dan McCoy, director of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. "Furthermore, it is impressive to see how many communities received funding for important improvements to their quality of life."

"We are excited to announce the release of the 2024 Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Report, which showcases our ongoing partnership with the University of Wyoming," says Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "This report highlights outdoor recreation's essential role in our communities and local and state economies."

The Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute helps support, expand and diversify Wyoming's economy through the outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality industries. WORTH provides a number of services to these industries, including applied research, educational products and outreach.

Through a recent and generous $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer, UW's WORTH Initiative was renamed the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute last December.

For more information, call McCoy at (307) 766-5009, email [email protected] or visit www.uwyo.edu/worth.

To access the digital version of the report, go here.