FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2018
Discussion highlights new polling data from Center for Western Priorities on Colorado voter attitudes
DENVER—The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs hosted a panel today to discuss voter attitudes towards public lands, conservation, and the outdoor recreation economy ahead of the midterm elections. The panel highlighted new polling data from the Center for Western Priorities (CWP). As part of its Winning the West campaign, CWP conducted extensive surveys of voters in Western states, gauging their opinions on the importance of public lands and the outdoor recreation economy.
“Public lands, and how they are managed, are increasingly becoming one of the most important issues for Western voters,” said Aaron Weiss, Media Director for the Center for Western Priorities. “What we’ve done with this poll is identify who these public lands voters are, and what matters most to them. We’ve found that these issues cut across all types of people: from young families to retirees, avid hunters to occasional hikers, Western voters are passionate about public lands.”
The survey examines attitudes among a number of key groups, as well as among Republicans, Democrats, and independents, finding that across all groups and party affiliations, access to outdoor recreation opportunities is a top priority for large majorities in Colorado and other states across the West.
The survey also asked respondents about their thoughts on the Trump administration’s actions regarding public lands. The results show that policies such as reducing the size of national monuments and allowing oil and gas drilling near national parks are deeply unpopular across the board.
For more information on the Winning the West poll, visit westernpriorities.org/winning-
For more information, visit westernpriorities.org. To speak with an expert on public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org. Sign up for Look West to get daily public lands and energy news sent to your inbox.