Westerners, including a majority of Latinos, Overwhelmingly Support Conservation of Public Lands, Waters, and Wildlife, Revealed New Poll.
WASHINGTON D.C. (February 14, 2024) – The Colorado College's 14th annual Conservation in the West Poll revealed Westerners' strong support for conserving public lands and waters.
Voters of eight Western states -including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming- were surveyed, showing some key findings including:
67% are concerned about the future of land, water, and wildlife.
66% think the effects of climate change in their state are significant.
70% want to protect clean water, air quality, and wildlife habitats while providing opportunities to visit and recreate on public lands.
90% support requiring oil and gas companies, rather than federal and state governments, to pay for all of the clean-up and land restoration costs after drilling is finished.
75% agree that clean energy production can be increased while preserving natural areas.
“This survey clearly shows that Westerners, and a majority of Latinos in the west, want their leaders to be conservation champions who tackle urgent environmental issues, support the responsible management of public lands, and ensure the protection of our natural resources a so current and future generations can thrive,” said Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). “Unfortunately, the devastating effects of climate change, water pollution, and air quality- impacts everyone. But 66% of western Hispanics revealed in the survey that they consider climate change an extremely serious issue. It comes as no surprise that 69% of Latinos surveyed expressed the most concern, over other groups surveyed, about the future of nature, land, water, air, and wildlife.”
As in previous years, this year’s Conservation in the West Poll results affirm Westerners are committed outdoor enthusiasts:
62% say they have visited national public lands three or more times in the past year.
85% support the creation of new parks, monuments, and Tribal protected areas.
80% favor the national goal of conserving 30 percent of land and inland waters in America and 30 percent of its ocean areas by the year 2030.
Among Colorado voters, 92% support protecting public lands surrounding the Dolores River Canyon to conserve wildlife habitat, safeguard the area’s scenic beauty, and support outdoor recreation.
“From southwestern deserts to northern forests, Westerners, including Hispanics throughout the Southwest, have a strong connection to our country’s diverse landscapes and the outdoors. Therefore, these results are not surprising, but a reaffirmation of why protecting public lands and waters and creating more national monuments and parks are a priority for them,” said Simon. “The Dolores River Canyon is not only one of the most biodiverse unprotected areas of Colorado that offers unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, but it is also a tributary to the Colorado River, which provides water to 40 million Americans, including 1/3 of the Latino population in the United States. Protecting this watershed is critical for communities, wildlife and local economies.”
The survey’s results also show that conservation is at the top of the mind of most Westerner voters -including Republicans, Independents, and Democrats- for the 2024 elections, with 85 perfect voters and 89% of Latinos saying that clean water, clean air, and public lands are important issues when making their voting decisions.