New public opinion research reveals a stark contrast: At a time when our politics are as bitterly divided as they have ever been, conservation is more unifying now than ever.

Western voters of all political backgrounds want their leaders to prioritize protecting public lands over expanding energy development — by the widest margin in the 15-year history of the recently released Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll. A staggering 72% of Western voters share that view — up from 65% just six years ago. Even among self-identified MAGA supporters, more than half favor conservation priorities over maximizing energy development.

This is not an isolated finding. Across eight states — Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — voters are rejecting policies that weaken protections for public lands and water resources. They also strongly oppose proposals to transfer control of national lands to state governments or allow more oil and gas development in protected areas like national monuments. These trends are neither new nor limited to one political party. Instead, they reflect a deep and enduring connection that Westerners feel to the lands that define this region.

Efforts to remove protections from national monuments — a contentious issue in the past — are even less popular today than in 2017 when 80% of Western voters opposed such actions. This year, that number climbed to 88% opposed, with majorities opposed across political lines.

The opposition to rolling back conservation protections is also evident in voters’ views on transferring federal lands to state control. While some lawmakers continue to propose such measures, 65% of voters in the West oppose the idea — up from 56% in 2017. Even in Utah, a state where land transfer discussions are most active, opposition grew significantly from 44% in 2017 to 57% this year

Why does conservation matter so much to voters in the West? The answer is simple. Public lands are personal, not political. These lands are a part of daily life. 87% of voters visited national public lands in the past year, with two in five saying that they made six or more trips. These spaces aren’t just scenic backdrops — they are where families create lasting memories, where family-supporting jobs are carried out, and where generations of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts uphold long-standing traditions.

This deep connection to public lands also explains why Western voters overwhelmingly support well-funded, professional management of these spaces. In fact, 87% of Western voters say they prefer decisions about public lands to be made by career professionals rather than political appointees. Three-quarters of Western voters — including a majority of Republicans— oppose cutting resources for the agencies that steward national public lands.

As pollsters, we know there are few issues in American politics today that generate broad, bipartisan agreement. But when it comes to public lands and conservation, the consensus is undeniable. The majority of voters across the political spectrum—from deep-red Wyoming to purple Arizona — want strong protections for public lands, clean water and wildlife habitats.

For policymakers, this poll serves as a clear directive. Western voters are paying attention, and recent events are bringing the ramifications of decisions regarding public lands into focus. We anticipate voters will increasingly expect their representatives to protect and invest in public lands. While the political landscape may shift, the public’s commitment to conservation remains steadfast.

The West has spoken. The question now is, will decision-makers listen?

Lori Weigel is the Principal of New Bridge Strategy, a research firm based in Colorado and Dave Metz is a Partner and President at FM3 Research. Their firms have conducted the bipartisan Colorado College Conservation in the West poll since 2011.