Idaho Voters Strongly Support Protecting Public Lands
A new poll shows that most people in Idaho want to protect their public lands instead of opening them up for oil and gas drilling. Many Idahoans say that keeping water, air, and wildlife safe is more important than developing these areas for industry.
Poll Reveals Clear Preference for Conservation
The survey, conducted by the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project, asked 400 registered voters across Idaho about how public lands should be managed. The findings were clear:
- 81% of Idaho voters said they believe protecting water, air, and wildlife habitat should come before more drilling and mining on public lands.
- 70% support creating new national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges.
- 67% oppose selling public lands to private companies or individuals.
- 65% are against shrinking the size of national monuments to allow more development.
Climate Change and Outdoor Activities Are Major Concerns
The poll also found that Idahoans are worried about how climate change will affect their state’s natural areas. 60% of voters are concerned about the impacts of climate change on Idaho’s lands and waters.
Many people who took the survey said they value outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting. They believe these activities are a big reason to keep public lands open and protected.
Voters Want Lands to Stay Public and Protected
One of the pollsters, David Metz, explained, “Idahoans have a deep connection to their public lands, and this poll confirms that they want to see these lands protected for future generations. There is a clear preference for conservation over extraction.”
Brian Brooks, who leads the Idaho Wildlife Federation, agrees. He said, “Public lands are central to Idaho’s identity and economy. This poll shows that Idahoans overwhelmingly support keeping these lands public and protected.”
Debate Over the Future of Public Lands
This poll comes at a time when state and federal leaders are discussing how to manage public lands in Idaho. Some want to open more areas for drilling, mining, or private ownership. But the poll results send a strong message: most Idahoans want more conservation, not more development.
- Conservation groups are urging lawmakers to listen to the people and focus on protecting public lands.
- The poll shows that selling public lands or allowing more industrial development is not popular with most voters.
Poll Details and What They Mean
The survey was taken in January and included 400 voters from all across Idaho. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points, meaning the results are very reliable.
Here’s what Idahoans said matters most to them about public lands:
- Protecting clean water and air
- Saving wildlife and their habitats
- Enjoying outdoor recreation, like fishing, hunting, and hiking
- Preventing the sale of public lands to private owners
- Stopping the reduction of national monuments for new development
Public Lands: A Big Part of Idaho’s Life and Economy
Public lands make up a large part of Idaho’s landscape. Many families use these lands for fun, work, and spending time together. They are also important for the state’s economy, bringing in money from visitors and outdoor sports.
With such strong support for conservation, it’s likely that the debate over public lands will continue. But for now, the message from Idaho’s voters is loud and clear: they want their public lands to stay protected, wild, and open to all.