Letter to the Editor: A call to take action

Dear Editor,

For the majority of Wyoming citizens, public lands are our identity. They are the heartbeat of local hunting, fishing, and numerous other types of outdoor recreation. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation during 2024 contributed $2.3 billion to the state’s economy.

The future of these lands, however, is under threat from several of the legislators that we voted into office with an expectation that they would represent Wyoming interests. The 2026 primary elections are coming up on Aug. 18. Due to the political balance within our state, the winners of the primaries will likely will be the winners of the November general election. As in the past, many of the primary contests will be decided by a mere handful of votes.

Did you know that, during the 2024 primaries, only 27% of Wyoming’s voting age population cast ballots? Also, specific to public lands, only 20% of the sportsmen/women who purchased Wyoming hunting and fishing licenses voted in that primary. Given these figures, it is clear that our lack of participation in elections can result in our electing lawmakers who do not support the issues important to the people of Wyoming. Note: Since 2024, a significant number of our local and state elected officials have supported actions detrimental to the welfare of both Wyoming’s wildlife and public lands.

On Sunday, Aug. 9, a public lands gathering will be held in Shell, Wyo., that will feature many of the candidates running for local and state elections along with possible public lands and wildlife informational exhibits. This will be a self-paced format, where the public can circulate among the candidates.

I truly encourage all advocates of Wyoming public lands, and the recreational opportunities associated with these public lands, to participate in this event. Most importantly, please research the candidates and then get to the polls on Aug. 18 and vote. Your singular vote may be the determination of the future of public lands in Wyoming.

Mackenzie McDonald

Greybull