May 1-2, 2025
MariAn H. Rochelle Gateway Center
Laramie, Wyoming
Wyoming Search and Rescue Conference: May 3
The Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute is excited to announce the 2025 Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit (WORS). Co-convened with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, this event aims to serve Wyoming’s outdoor recreation community with relevant, representative, and engaging programming. The 2025 WORS will be held May 1-2, 2025, at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center in Laramie, Wyoming.
The theme for the 2025 WORS is “Outdoor Recreation in Wyoming Communities: Building Partnerships, Developing Workforce, and Accessing Resources”. This theme aims to address and explore these three aspects of outdoor recreation through presentations, panels, discussions, or breakout sessions.
Registration is $100 for the 2-day event and includes breakfast and lunch on both days, as well as access to all sessions. Reach out to Taylor Kruger (tkruger@uwyo.edu) with any questions.
Registration will close on Friday, April 25. Spots are limited - move quickly to secure your spot!
Agenda
(Disclaimer: Agenda is subject to change at any time.)
Day 1: Thursday, May 1
Marion H. Rochelle Gateway Center, 222 S. 22nd St, Laramie, WY 82070
8:00-8:30 am – Check-in and breakfast
8:30 am – Welcome
8:45 am – Opening remarks
9:00 am – Keynote: Can Outdoor Recreation Save the World?
10:00 am – Break
10:30 am – The EXPLORE Act: All You Need to Know
11:30 am – Lunch
12:00 pm – Update from the Governor’s Office
12:15 pm – Corner Crossing Panel
This panel will explore what the 10th circuit decision means for recreational corner crossing in Wyoming, how recreationalists can corner cross responsibly (and legally), and what the future may hold for this issue.
1:00 pm – Break
1:20 pm – Concurrent Breakout Sessions
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Grand Ballroom A |
Grand Ballroom B |
Grand Ballroom C |
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Backcountry Discovery Routes: Building on the success of an established route in Wyoming Bill Whitacre (Backcountry Discovery Routes) and Justin Smith (Ten Sleep Brewery) Discover how dual-sport motorcycle routes are boosting Wyoming’s outdoor economy. This session features the Red Desert loop and the 1,000-mile WYBDR—volunteer-built routes that support tourism, rural communities, and sustainable backcountry access. Learn how expanding these trails benefits local economies and positions Wyoming as a top motorcycle destination. |
Beyond the Gear: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Wyoming’s Outdoor Retail Industry Addi Jenkins (Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance), Wes Allen (Sunlight Sports), Joan Chase (Wild Iris Mountain Sports), Patrick Coffey (Fast Haus Ski and Bike), Pete Leibee (Rocky Mountain Powersports) Outdoor retailers play a vital role in Wyoming’s recreation economy, connecting people to the gear and expertise they need to explore the state. This panel features industry leaders discussing how to navigate challenges like tariffs, workforce recruitment, and shifting consumer trends. Learn strategies for building trust, growing sustainably, and strengthening local communities through collaboration and innovation. |
Funding Your Outdoor Vision: Updates & Strategies for Grant Success Brynn Hirschman (Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation) and Louisa Lopez (Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources) Learn how to fund your outdoor recreation projects. This workshop, led by Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation grant experts, covers the latest on federal grants, the Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, and key funding strategies. Gain practical tips, explore new opportunities, and connect with experts to help bring your ideas to life. |
2:20 pm – Break
2:40 pm – Concurrent Breakout Sessions
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Grand Ballroom A |
Grand Ballroom B |
Grand Ballroom C |
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The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center: A Public/Private Partnership in Winter Safety Forrest Kamminga (Wyoming State Trails), Frank Carus (Bridger Teton Avalanche Center), and Dwayne Meadows (Bridger Teton Avalanche Center) Get an inside look at avalanche forecasting in Wyoming. This session covers the history, evolution, and operations of avalanche centers, with a focus on how public demand and diverse funding have shaped services in Western Wyoming. Learn how forecasting supports winter safety through partnerships and community investment. |
Opportunities and Challenges for Manufacturing and Distribution in WY’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Rocky Case (Manufacturing Works), Lauren Heerschap (Brunton), Ross Hinschberger (Magpul Industries), Mike Lilygren (MAVEN Optics), Shane True (WYld Gear), and Luke Thorkildsen (Weatherby) Explore the future of outdoor recreation manufacturing in Wyoming. This panel will address key opportunities and challenges in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, highlighting how collaboration among industry, government, and stakeholders can drive growth and keep Wyoming competitive. |
Breaking Barriers: Expanding Accessibility in Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation Communities Shelby Kappler and Terri Wofford (Wyoming Institute for Disabilities) Promote inclusivity in Wyoming’s outdoor recreation. This session highlights the need for greater accessibility in activities, infrastructure, and programming for individuals with disabilities. Attendees will explore adaptive equipment for hiking, fishing, skiing, and cycling, learning how removing barriers can strengthen communities and expand opportunities for all, boosting tourism and recreation. |
3:40 pm – Break
4:00 pm – Concurrent Breakout Sessions
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Grand Ballroom A |
Grand Ballroom B |
Grand Ballroom C |
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Land Health and Recreational Sustainability through Partnerships Olivia Maxwell (Fremont County Weed and Pest) Caring for Wyoming’s outdoor spaces is essential to sustaining recreation opportunities. This session will explore the tools and partnerships needed to educate, detect, and control invasive species, ensuring the long-term health of our landscapes. Learn how outdoor industry leaders, agencies, and communities can work together to safeguard the land we rely on. 4:30 pm - AllTrails & Friends of the Bridger-Teton: Better visitor education and increased capacity through partnerships Pitt Grewe (All Trails) and Jennifer Ricupero (Friends of the Bridger-Teton) Learn how the Friends of the Bridger-Teton and AllTrails are enhancing trail safety and preparedness. This session covers their partnership to provide visitors with accurate, accessible trail information through AllTrails’ free Public Lands program, helping ensure responsible recreation while protecting the forest and wildlife. |
Bridging the Gap: Workforce Challenges and Opportunities in Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Dan McCoy (Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute) and ORTM students This panel, led by Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute Director Dan McCoy, will dive into workforce issues in Wyoming and invite students to share their perspectives on finding jobs in the outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality fields. |
Economic Diversification Through Outdoor Recreation Paul Huberty (Wind River Development Fund) Outdoor recreation is a potential driver for sustainable economic development on the Wind River Indian Reservation, but this potential extends beyond visitor spending. This session will explore the evolving relationship between land stewardship, conservation-driven business models, and economic diversification in rural and Native communities. Attendees will gain insight into how outdoor recreation can serve as a foundation for long-term economic resilience. |
6:00 pm - Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance (WYORBA) mixer
Bond’s Brewing, 411 S. 2nd Street, Laramie, Wyoming
Day 2: Friday, May 2
Marion H. Rochelle Gateway Center, 222 S. 22nd St, Laramie, WY 82070
8:00 am – Check-in and breakfast
8:30 am – Welcome, pair-and-share takeaways from yesterday
8:45 am – Working with Elected Officials: Integrating Outdoor Recreation into Wyoming’s
Legislative Agenda
Advocating for outdoor recreation requires strategic engagement with policymakers to influence legislation, secure funding, and drive meaningful change. This panel discussion will explore how outdoor industry leaders can effectively work with elected officials to shape Wyoming’s legislative agenda, navigate policy processes, and build strong advocacy networks. Learn proven strategies for communicating with decision makers, mobilizing support, and ensuring outdoor recreations remains a priority in state and local policy.
10:15 am – Break
10:45 am – Concurrent Breakout Sessions
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Grand Ballroom A |
Grand Ballroom B |
Grand Ballroom C |
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The Role of Outdoor Recreation in Local Economic Development Jon Conrad (Tata Chemicals), Brett Kahler (Wyoming Economic Development Association), Renny Mackay (Wyoming Business Alliance), Luther Propst (Teton County Commissioner), Justin Schilling (Wyoming Association of Municipalities), and Missy White (Wyoming Association of Municipalities) Discover how outdoor recreation drives Wyoming’s economy. This session brings together key organizations to discuss how outdoor recreation supports local economies, attracts businesses, and improves quality of life. Panelists will share strategies for developing recreation assets, boosting economic growth, infrastructure, and workforce development, offering valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and community leaders. |
Challenges and Opportunities for Wyoming’s Guiding Community Taylor Phillips (EcoTour Adventures), Olivia Lane (Togwotee Mountain Lodge), Zach Lentsch (Wyoming Mountain Guides), Lee Livingston (Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association), Sarah Martin (National Outdoor Leadership School), Paul Ulrich (Two Rivers Guide Service) Explore the challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming’s guiding community. This session will bring together industry experts and guides to discuss workforce shortages, permitting complexities, and changing regulations. Panelists will share strategies for business sustainability, workforce development, advocacy, and collaboration with land management agencies to support this vital sector. |
Volunteer Trail Crews: A Grassroots Approach to Trail Stewardship in Wyoming Richard Vercoe (Wyoming Trail FAIRIES), Bruce Burrows (Recreation Trails Consultant and Contractor), Sarah Brown Mathews (Pilot Hill Inc.), Austin Burgess (Central Wyoming Trails Alliance), Evan Ely (Speedgoat Trail Co.), Grace Templeton (Wyoming Pathways), and John Westenhoff (Lander Cycling Club) Learn about the impact of volunteer trail crews in Wyoming. This panel will highlight how local trail crews assist land managers at various levels, sharing insights on the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of fostering dynamic, engaged relationships to improve and maintain trails.gmail |
11:45 am – Lunch
12:30 pm – Supporting Public Land Management Agencies Through Partnerships
Explore the power of collaboration in managing Wyoming’s public lands. This session will focus on how partnerships with recreation organizations, nonprofits, and local communities can enhance resource management, trail maintenance, and conservation. Panelists from federal agencies will share successful models, discuss challenges and opportunities, and provide strategies for fostering collaboration to support responsible recreation and long-term land stewardship.
1:30 pm – Closing remarks and raffle giveaways
2:00 pm – Optional field trips depart (TBA)
Lodging
There is currently 1 room block available for this event.
The deadline to book a room is Wednesday, April 23.
Sponsors
The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit is sponsored by Discover Carbon County, SE Group, Kate's Real Food, and Pointe Strategies.
Sponsorship opportunities remain open for this event and will close on Monday, March
31. View details here. Reach out to Laurel Stephens (laurel.stephens@wyo.gov) with any questions.
Interested in receiving updates and more information on the 2025 Summit as it becomes available?
View the 2024 Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit information »
