The stormy global economy isn't dampening the spirit of most Wyoming residents.A survey released this week shows that, despite a worsening economic situation, most Wyomingites — 51 percent — believe their communities are on the right track. And 68 percent of those surveyed envision a better life in Wyoming for their children and grandchildren, according to the Associated Press.The survey was completed ahead of the “Building the Wyoming We Want” conference, which took place in Casper earlier this week.Wyoming's bliss doesn't stem from ignorance. Rather, it's that most Wyomingites realize that, yes, the economy is faltering. The picture is increasingly grim: Last week, the governor announced $230 million in cuts, forcing most agencies statewide to trim budgets by 10 percent. The effect throughout the state is widespread, impacting those in many sectors, from education to health care. The Wyoming Department of Health is absorbing the biggest cut among state agencies with a $43 million reduction.“I'm not here to suggest that these are cuts without consequences, or that they're not going to be painful,” Gov. Dave Freudenthal said in an Associate Press article.However, Wyoming folks seem to understand that it could be worse, and as the survey indicates, most residents are willing to move forward optimistically.The survey also showed what residents treasure in Wyoming. The attributes residents value most include access to the great outdoors; small, friendly communities; and the health of land and water. Terry Cleveland chaired the initiative's advisory committee.“Clearly, people in Wyoming feel that in order to maintain their outdoor lifestyle, there is much at stake going forward,” Cleveland said in a statement released by the governor's office. “Many of us have reservations about the kind of growth we see in other parts of the West, but this survey indicates that we're confident we can do it right. The key is to act now to protect what we care most about.” The economic storm raining down on America has the potential to hold Wyoming back — but hopefully, as most residents believe, the state will weather the current conditions and move forward.

The stormy global economy isn't dampening the spirit of most Wyoming residents.

A survey released this week shows that, despite a worsening economic situation, most Wyomingites — 51 percent — believe their communities are on the right track. And 68 percent of those surveyed envision a better life in Wyoming for their children and grandchildren, according to the Associated Press.

The survey was completed ahead of the “Building the Wyoming We Want” conference, which took place in Casper earlier this week.

Wyoming's bliss doesn't stem from ignorance. Rather, it's that most Wyomingites realize that, yes, the economy is faltering.

The picture is increasingly grim: Last week, the governor announced $230 million in cuts, forcing most agencies statewide to trim budgets by 10 percent.

The effect throughout the state is widespread, impacting those in many sectors, from education to health care.

The Wyoming Department of Health is absorbing the biggest cut among state agencies with a $43 million reduction.

“I'm not here to suggest that these are cuts without consequences, or that they're not going to be painful,” Gov. Dave Freudenthal said in an Associate Press article.

However, Wyoming folks seem to understand that it could be worse, and as the survey indicates, most residents are willing to move forward optimistically.

The survey also showed what residents treasure in Wyoming. The attributes residents value most include access to the great outdoors; small, friendly communities; and the health of land and water.

Terry Cleveland chaired the initiative's advisory committee.

“Clearly, people in Wyoming feel that in order to maintain their outdoor lifestyle, there is much at stake going forward,” Cleveland said in a statement released by the governor's office. “Many of us have reservations about the kind of growth we see in other parts of the West, but this survey indicates that we're confident we can do it right. The key is to act now to protect what we care most about.”

The economic storm raining down on America has the potential to hold Wyoming back — but hopefully, as most residents believe, the state will weather the current conditions and move forward.