The University of Montana released its biennial Voter Survey on Public Lands, showing that Montanans are concerned about conservation and public lands

Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Montanans' overwhelming support for public lands
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Friday, April 26, 2024
Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, Bob Wick/BLM ([link removed])

The University of Montana released its biennial Voter Survey on Public Lands ([link removed]) , showing that Montanans are concerned about conservation and public lands. This year's results showed that 89 percent of Montanans have visited public lands in the past year and 83 percent believe that national public lands help the state's economy.

The survey ([link removed]) has tracked the opinions of Montana voters since 2014 and seeks to understand how residents think about public land and natural resource issues. "One thing that has not changed—even the folks who are new here—the deep connection that we have to public lands and the shared recognition of our state’s natural beauty is still there," said Rick Graetz ([link removed]) , a University of Montana professor who oversees the poll. "And that connection with the land, we see a strong bipartisan demand for conservation solutions and for maintaining public access."

The survey also showed strong support for specific public lands issues. For example, seven in ten Montana voters support the new BLM Public Lands Rule ([link removed]) finalized last week, and over 82 percent support the president using the Antiquities Act to designate national monuments, up from 78 percent in 2018 and 2020. Additionally, Montana voters support regional conservation proposals such as the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act ([link removed]) , which would expand protections on public lands adjacent to the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument listening session

Senator John Hickenlooper is hosting a listening session ([link removed]) in Grand Junction about the proposal to designate a national monument in the Dolores River canyons region of Mesa and Montrose counties in Colorado ([link removed]) . The session will be held at 10:30 AM tomorrow, April 27 at Colorado Mesa University. If you live in the area, RSVP to the event ([link removed]) and show your support for protecting this biodiverse and culturally-rich area.


** Quick hits
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Poll: Life is getting worse in Montana, but public lands matter

Missoulian ([link removed]) | Montana Free Press ([link removed]) | Bozeman Daily Chronicle ([link removed]) | Flathead Beacon ([link removed]) | Missoula Current ([link removed])

Colorado communities are working to protect their water from wildfires, before the fire happens

Colorado Sun ([link removed])

Hired guns? Unlimited tags? Wyoming levels up elk killing efforts

WyoFile ([link removed])

Opinion: The San Gabriel Mountains’ importance to LA community

San Fernando Valley Sun ([link removed])

Tribes intervene in court cases challenging Grand Canyon national monument

KNAU ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | Native American Rights Fund ([link removed])

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs highlights bison and grasslands restoration during New Mexico visit

KRQE ([link removed]) | Department of the Interior ([link removed]) [press release]

Is Biden a public lands protector?

High Country News ([link removed])

Feds to restore grizzly bears to North Cascades

Seattle Times ([link removed]) | KOMO ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” From above, I could see where our communities lie within the entire ecosystem—from the mountains to the oceans. I got a sense of just how interconnected everything is and just how important it is to preserve this natural landscape.”

—Semantha Raquel Norris, photographer and journalist, San Fernando Valley Sun ([link removed])


** Picture This
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[link removed]

@mesaverdenps ([link removed])
Do NOT pet the pretty kitties!!

Mesa Verde National Park is home to two different species of furry felines, most famously the mountain lion, but also the bobcat! These cozy cats are sometimes seen stalking rodents such as rabbits, mice, and prairie dogs in meadows and woodlands in Mesa Verde. They are what is known as a crepuscular (krep-pus-kew-ler) predator, active mostly in the twilight of early morning and late evening. Keep an eye (and ear) out for them if you are camping in Morefield Campground or staying at the Far View Lodge!

Image credit: NPS/ Mimi Gorman

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