Very true, a lot of people don't understand where that $2 goes towards when getting stickers on summer and winter toys.
I would like to clear up a few misconceptions about the 2$...
I as a volunteer often get told that "Hey I donate my $2 to SAR on every license". While it is still critical to do so It is also important to know where that money goes and how it is used.
The money that is donated goes into a large state run fund. Each fall the county's from around the state submit their expenses from SAR operations for the year and can be awarded reimbursement from that fund by a board of directors. This is what helps keep SAR operations free in Wyoming... get more information here:
http://hls.wyo.gov/sar/donations.htm
As a Volunteer it does help my group and I to some degree. If i lost my Goggles, or bend an A-Arm while on a search, I can go buy a new set and submit a claim for reimbursement. I have to sit on that expense for the better part of a year before it is paid out, but it does help. We as a group can apply to have some training covered expense wise from the fund. But our group gets nothing beyond that in the way of money.
So don't get me wrong, please donate the $2, as it is a critical to helping fund SAR. But also understand that many of those volunteer groups around the state still have to raise their own money to operate. Most volunteers have to use their own equipment, user their vacation time and leave their families when the time arises.
It is an awesome feeling to be a part of a successful event. The events over the weekend are never what we want or expect to happen. Prayers to the friends and family of the lost life.
Many people don't realize that there were several other searches and rescues taking place in the area over that same time frame. Several in Carbon County as well as here in Albany County, all snow and weather related. Please go into the back country prepared, not just for a night but for several. Get a spot or other satellite device as cell coverage is limited. When we have nothing to go on other that knowing someone is missing, it's like finding a needle in a haystack!
Be safe all, and enjoy the great outdoors!