PUBLIC LANDS IN WYOMING

Half of Wyoming’s lands are federally managed as national parks, monuments, forests, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, or public land. These include some of the most iconic places in the nation and they help support healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations.

Public Lands

Wyoming’s public lands offer extraordinary opportunities like hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, solitude in remote places, and abundant wildlife. At the Wyoming Outdoor Council, we advocate for balanced management of public lands that respects multiple use. And as we look ahead, we’re mindful of working against the backdrop of Wyoming’s changing economy. Our state relies heavily on oil, gas, and coal revenues to fund local government. But the boom-bust nature of resource extraction can create uncertainty and instability. Meanwhile, instead of taking the long view, some lawmakers push short-term agendas — seeking state management or even sale of our public lands. We’ve been successful in defeating these attempts by providing leadership within the Keep it Public, Wyoming coalition, and we continue to support keeping public lands in public hands, robust public participation in resource management, and transparency in decisionmaking.

Many of our public lands in Wyoming are leased or already developed for industrial uses such as oil and gas drilling, hard rock and coal mining, and industrial-scale wind generation. Where development is appropriate on public lands, we advocate for “doing it right,” developing in a way that avoids or minimizes impacts to other resources.

At the same time, there are places in Wyoming that are too special to drill. We advocate for conservation of important values like big game migration corridors, opportunities for back country recreation, and the highest Greater sage-grouse density areas on earth. The opportunity to access wild, open spaces on our public lands contributes to an unparalleled quality of life for Wyoming residents. Visited by millions of people each year, these lands also add significantly to our state’s economy.

STAND WITH OUR PUBLIC LANDS STEWARDS!

The Trump administration has indiscriminately fired thousands of our public lands stewards in recent weeks. More cuts are looming. Without those that steward them, our public lands are at risk. Will you take two minutes to add your name in support of our public lands stewards?

TELL THE WYOMING DELEGATION
YOU OPPOSE THESE INDISCRIMINATE FIRINGS!

Thousands of our public lands stewards are out of work, and more cuts are looming on the horizon. Although these firings are being challenged in court, the future of these positions remains unclear, leaving many of our neighbors and friends who work for these federal agencies facing uncertain tomorrows.

We cannot wait to have our voices heard.

The agencies that manage the public lands that cover half of Wyoming will now face significant constraints — not only in their ability to fight fires, maintain campgrounds and trails, and respond to emergencies but also in overseeing activities that allow for responsible multiple use of our public lands and support local economies.

Tell Wyoming’s leaders in Congress that you support our public lands stewards. Add your name to the letter now!

THE LATEST FIELD NOTES, News & Action

Speak up for the future of the Bridger-Teton National Forest!

Gabby Yates

August 8, 2025

The long road toward a new plan for the beloved Bridger-Teton is finally underway. Add your voice today to ensure the process gets off to a good start! A few weeks ago, the Bridger-Teton National Forest released its draft assessment report. Though not a decision-making document, this report spells out the forest’s current social, ecological, […] READ MORE >
THE ENDURING DAMAGE OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE ON THE WIND RIVER RESERVATION

WOC Staff

July 30, 2025

In Wyoming and across the U.S., tribes and tribal lands bear scars from the country’s nuclear programs. From abandoned radioactive waste to land seizures to the cancer-causing debris of weapons testing, tribal communities have been disproportionately impacted by nuclear development and its lasting consequences. Unfortunately, in the critical discussions surrounding nuclear projects, the voices of […] READ MORE >
BIG AND BAD FOR WYOMING: HERE’S WHAT’S IN THE SENATE RECONCILIATION BILL

WOC Staff

July 3, 2025

Update: The House of Representatives passed the budget bill and President Trump signed it into law on July 4. Late Tuesday morning the Senate narrowly passed its budget reconciliation bill in a 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. The bill is now back in the House, where representatives have to resolve […] READ MORE >