An Upgrade to Lander Search and Rescue Fleet Improves Response Times

In 2020, Lander Search and Rescue backcountry responders experienced what many SAR teams across the West did: a sharp uptick in calls as more people took to the wilderness during the pandemic. The Wind River Mountains and the public lands around Lander are rugged and remote, and a speedy response can be the difference between who survives in an emergency and who does not. As Lander SAR found itself responding to multiple, concurrent emergencies in a single weekend, it became clear that the team needed a second vehicle that could be deployed quickly, navigate rough two-track roads, and haul a trailer with the organization’s Utility Terrain Vehicle. After identifying a used Jeep that could complement the team’s slower pickup truck, Lander SAR crafted and executed a successful fundraising plan that would cover the purchase and modification of a new emergency vehicle. Lander SAR was able to raise more than half the necessary funding from the community; with matching funds from LOR, the volunteer team quickly finalized the purchase and began outfitting the Jeep with specialized rescue equipment.

Impact

Lander SAR is better equipped to respond to multiple backcountry emergencies and meet the demands of the many outdoor enthusiasts who rely on them. Volunteers have expressed appreciation for the vehicle’s maneuverability, clearance, navigation system, and reach.