With rising concern over water scarcity, wildfires, the potential sale of public lands and shrinking protections, the latest Conservation in the West poll paints a clear picture: Western voters are concerned about the direction of public land policy and conservation. The poll, run by Colorado State University, gauges the public’s sentiment on public lands and conservation issues. This year’s poll surveyed at least 400 registered voters in each of eight Western states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming— for a total 3,419 voters. The report reveals that 86% of Western voters deem funding cuts to public lands a serious problem. More Western voters than ever would prefer if their Members of Congress focused more on conservation and recreation than maximizing energy production on public lands. Additionally, 91% of Western voters supported keeping existing national monument designations.
