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

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP, WYOMING!

WOC Staff

August 26, 2025

The case for caution on a nuclear future By John Burrows and Big Wind Carpenter IN THE LAST YEAR, we’ve heard a lot about Wyoming’s “nuclear renaissance.” With industry’s narrative leading the messaging, it’s hard to tell exactly how much is hype versus reality. But something does feel different about the conversations happening today around […] READ MORE >
THE LAND PAYS THE PRICE

Max Owens

August 26, 2025

Federal employees are the heartbeat of public lands stewardship. What happens when they’re gone? A giant downed tree and wreckage of limbs block the trail. Peggie dePasquale considers the obstacle in thoughtful silence, calculating the angles. Finally she nods. “If we cut here, and get a little lucky, we may be able to roll it […] READ MORE >
LOST IN THE BEST KIND OF WAY: THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO

Claire Cella

August 25, 2025

WOC’s 2026 Calendar Contest is live! Join Major and other artists by submitting visual art that illustrates The Lands Between Us — the public lands we all hold in common. To submit your art, tag it with the hashtag #WOCCalendarContest on Instagram, or email it to claire@wyomingoutdoorcouncil.org. For more information about the contest, visit our […] READ MORE >