Wyoming Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Trust Fund

The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) is a dedicated long-term investment established by the State of Wyoming to support the planning, development, maintenance, and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure. The ORTTF reflects Wyoming's commitment to bolstering its outdoor recreation economy while increasing public access to safe, high-quality outdoor experiences. The trust fund was officially established through legislative action, beginning with House Bill 74 in 2023, which created the permanent trust and income account, followed by House Bill 67 in 2024, which outlined the administrative framework and grant-making authority for the program. This demonstrates strong bipartisan and executive backing for sustained investment in Wyoming’s outdoor infrastructure. Administered through a collaboration between the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wyoming Office of Tourism, ORTTF aims to align local infrastructure development with statewide tourism and economic development strategies. The fund is designed to assist communities across Wyoming in their efforts to responsibly expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities. The overarching goal is to maintain and enhance Wyoming’s reputation as a premier outdoor destination while ensuring recreational access for both residents and visitors. Eligible activities under the ORTTF include planning and design of outdoor recreation infrastructure, development of new facilities that improve access and user experiences, improvement or maintenance of existing recreational assets, and acquisition of public access easements. All proposed projects must support public access, safety, and quality of recreation experiences while contributing to the vitality of local communities and economies. The ORTTF receives funding from the Wyoming tourism reserve and projects account, which is itself funded by the statewide lodging tax. Additionally, the fund may accept other forms of support, including direct legislative appropriations, federal grants, private donations, and certain real property interests. This diversified funding approach is designed to provide the trust with long-term sustainability while ensuring the fund can respond to community needs and growth in outdoor recreation demand. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, non-profit organizations, and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal Nations—or a cooperative governing tribal body. Applicants must submit the ORTTF Application Form along with relevant supplemental materials such as project plans and supporting documentation to [email protected]. Confirmation of submission will be provided via email. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact Brynn Hirschman at [email protected]. The application window opens on February 25, 2026, and closes on April 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. The grant awards will be distributed in two phases: small project awards are expected in July 2026, while large project awards are scheduled for Spring 2027. This funding cycle is not recurring on a defined schedule. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the current window, as future cycles are not guaranteed.