Idaho Voters Continue to Support Public Lands

The latest 2026 Conservation in the West Poll from Colorado College shows that voters in Idaho continue to strongly support public lands and responsible management of natural resources.

Conducted January 2–18, 2026, the bipartisan survey gathered responses from more than 3,400 registered voters in eight Western states, including more than 400 voters in Idaho. The annual poll examines public attitudes toward land, water, wildlife, energy development, and public land management across the region.

Idahoans value public lands 

The poll, published on February 18, 2026, shows that Idaho voters share the broader Western consensus that public lands and natural resources are central priorities. Across the region, 85% of voters say issues involving public lands, water, and wildlife are important in deciding which candidates to support, underscoring how issues affecting public lands have become a mainstream political concern in Western states.

Idaho voters also strongly oppose proposals to sell off national public lands. The poll found large majorities across all Western states oppose selling public lands for development, with particularly strong opposition in Idaho and neighboring states.

This reflects the importance of public lands to Idaho’s economy and quality of life. From national forests and wilderness areas to rivers and trails, public lands support outdoor recreation, tourism, small businesses, and rural communities across the state.

Concerns about funding and resource management

Another major finding from the 2026 poll is widespread concern about funding for public land management. Across the Mountain West, 86% of voters say cuts to funding for public lands agencies are a serious problem, including strong concern among Republican voters.

These concerns reflect the growing demands on land managers as visitation rises and Western landscapes face increasing pressures from drought, wildfire, and population growth.

Energy and recreation remain priorities

The poll also highlights broad support for policies that balance responsible energy development with protecting water, air, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. Across the West, voters increasingly favor renewable energy development over expanded fossil fuel extraction on public lands and prefer that elected leaders prioritize clean water, habitat protection, and recreation opportunities. In Idaho, 72% of voters oppose fast-tracking oil, gas and mining projects on national public lands by reducing environmental reviews and local public input.

What it means for Idaho

For Idaho, the results reinforce that public lands are a unifying issue. Regardless of political affiliation, Idahoans recognize the importance of protecting the landscapes that sustain outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and local economies.

For businesses and communities that rely on the outdoors to support local industries and economies, it’s clear Idaho voters continue to support responsible long-term stewardship of the public lands that power our state’s outdoor economy.