Republican representative McKay Erickson of Wyoming’s forest-heavy district is facing the repercussions of federal layoffs, which are impacting his constituents and local businesses. While Erickson is a small-government conservative, he recognizes the importance of federal workers in his district, particularly for trail maintenance and park staffing.
Erickson remains a staunch supporter of President Trump, despite the layoffs originating from Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency.” Many rural Mountain West communities, like Salmon, Idaho, rely on federal lands for economic stability, and recent job cuts are creating uncertainty and fear about the future.
In towns like Stanley, Idaho, where nearly 40% of staff from the Sawtooth National Forest were let go, residents are concerned about the loss of essential services, local businesses, and potentially the next generation of public land stewards. The economic impact of layoffs is also being felt in gateway towns near national parks, where federal workers play a crucial role in maintaining visitors’ experiences.
Efforts to address the effects of federal layoffs are underway in Montana through the Yellowstone Business Coalition, and Livingston city commissioner Karrie Kahle warns of a ripple effect in the community as federal workers are let go. Archaeologist Andrea Shiverdecker, laid off from Montana’s Custer-Gallatin National Forest, is grappling with the disorienting process and worries about the future of public lands stewardship.
Overall, the landscape of the Mountain West is being reshaped by federal layoffs, with local economies and public land management facing significant challenges. The uncertainty created by the cuts underscores the importance of federal workers in maintaining the health of communities, especially in rural areas dependent on public lands.
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