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Outdoor Recreation Tourism and Trust Fund Bison, Red, White and Blue Badge logo

The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) is a long-term investment established by the State of Wyoming to support the planning, development, improvement, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. The fund is designed to help communities enhance public access to outdoor recreation opportunities while strengthening Wyoming’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.

ORTTF was created through legislative action to provide a sustainable, dedicated funding source for outdoor recreation infrastructure. The trust fund structure was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 74, which created the permanent trust and associated income account in statute. In 2024, the Legislature passed House Bill 67 to establish the program’s administrative framework, governance structure, and grant authority. Both measures were signed into law by Mark Gordon, reflecting strong executive and legislative support for long-term investment in outdoor recreation and tourism.


ORTTF funding is intended for outdoor recreation infrastructure projects—facilities and installations that improve public access to Wyoming’s outdoor resources and support safe, high-quality recreation experiences. Eligible uses include:

  • Planning and design of outdoor recreation infrastructure
  • Improvement, renovation, or maintenance of existing facilities
  • Development of new infrastructure that enhances access and user experience
  • Purchase of public access easements when needed to support recreational access

Projects will be evaluated through a competitive grant process, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate strong public benefit, improve access, and contribute to the long-term stewardship of Wyoming’s outdoor recreation assets.

Outdoor Recreation Tourism and Trust Fund Bison, Red, White and Blue Badge logo

The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) is a long-term investment established by the State of Wyoming to support the planning, development, improvement, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. The fund is designed to help communities enhance public access to outdoor recreation opportunities while strengthening Wyoming’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.

ORTTF was created through legislative action to provide a sustainable, dedicated funding source for outdoor recreation infrastructure. The trust fund structure was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 74, which created the permanent trust and associated income account in statute. In 2024, the Legislature passed House Bill 67 to establish the program’s administrative framework, governance structure, and grant authority. Both measures were signed into law by Mark Gordon, reflecting strong executive and legislative support for long-term investment in outdoor recreation and tourism.


ORTTF funding is intended for outdoor recreation infrastructure projects—facilities and installations that improve public access to Wyoming’s outdoor resources and support safe, high-quality recreation experiences. Eligible uses include:

  • Planning and design of outdoor recreation infrastructure
  • Improvement, renovation, or maintenance of existing facilities
  • Development of new infrastructure that enhances access and user experience
  • Purchase of public access easements when needed to support recreational access

Projects will be evaluated through a competitive grant process, with priority given to proposals that demonstrate strong public benefit, improve access, and contribute to the long-term stewardship of Wyoming’s outdoor recreation assets.

Funding Sources and Stewardship

The trust fund is supported by tourism-related state revenues and legislative appropriations and may also receive federal funds, grants, gifts, and other contributions. This structure reflects Wyoming’s recognition that outdoor recreation and tourism are closely linked and that investments in recreation infrastructure directly support residents' quality of life, visitor readiness, local economies, and community vitality.


ORTTF represents a collaborative effort among the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wyoming Office of Tourism, aligning outdoor recreation planning with the statewide tourism strategy and economic development goals.

Oversight and Administration

The ORTTF is overseen by a nine-member board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Wyoming Senate, with representation from across the state. The board is responsible for establishing grant priorities, approving awards, and ensuring funds are used in accordance with state law.

The program is administered in coordination with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources, reflecting Wyoming’s integrated approach to outdoor recreation, public lands access, and tourism development. 

 

Why ORTTF Matters

Outdoor recreation is a defining part of Wyoming’s identity and economy. As visitation and recreation demand continue to grow, communities need tools to responsibly plan for infrastructure that supports safe, accessible, and high-quality outdoor experiences. The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund helps meet that need, supporting projects that benefit residents, welcome visitors, and protect the outdoor places that make Wyoming unique.

 

Grant Timeline

Program development is underway, with the ORTTF board anticipating the opening of its first grant application cycle in early 2026, followed by initial grant awards later that year. 

 
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