On Tuesday morning, I sat in the historic Johnson County Courthouse in Buffalo for a Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee.

The meeting followed another long night-run across this great state. This time, the news was good — at least from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Rather than shut down, it was a list of opportunities that could benefit Wyoming’s industry and job market.

Among the topics covered: minerals and timber. A BLM report indicates that both will increase in production opportunity, at least for those local governments and businesses who are ready.

The Forest Service report was also promising, with the promise of increased timber production.

This news coming because of federal legislation you have been watching unfold in recent days.

What does this mean for Wyoming? An opportunity to improve and sustain our Wyoming economy.

The problem? Wyoming has been in a shut-down mode  — or at least the various industries have seriously pulled back on basic business operations that deal with minerals and timber.

Bringing life back to these industries takes time.

Let’s start locally first. We’ll need our county resource management plan put back in the forefront.

Lincoln County has mineral and timber resources. If we want to talk economic development it comes with the major products like minerals and timber that have a spin-off effect for the remainder of the economy.

Let’s not miss the opportunity.

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