Rising Demand for Non-Motorized Trails Sparks Funding Discussion in Wyoming
By Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile
Wyoming is witnessing a surge in demand for non-motorized recreational trails, as highlighted by Deputy Director of Wyoming State Parks, Chris Floyd, during a recent meeting with lawmakers. While outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing grow steadily, the challenge remains: how to finance these new trails.
Floyd revealed that requests for non-motorized trails have outpaced those for motorized options for several years, emphasizing the need for state-level strategies to fund trail development. He proposed a user fee model similar to Wyoming’s successful motorized trails program, which generates revenue through fees and taxes. Currently, the state has received $47 million in requests for non-motorized trail funding over the last five years, but federal support follows shortfalls, with only $400,000 allocated annually.
The Legislature’s Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee debated potential funding avenues, including utilizing lottery funds and state park entry fees, rather than imposing direct user fees which pose enforcement challenges amid shared federal land jurisdiction.
Sen. Larry Hicks suggested redirecting lottery proceeds to support outdoor recreation, while other initiatives aim to empower state parks to charge additional fees.
Outdoor recreation in Wyoming has become a vital economic driver, contributing $2.2 billion to the state’s economy in 2023. As demand escalates, stakeholders recognize the importance of proactively managing trail development to preserve Wyoming’s natural landscape and enhance recreational experiences.
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