In this episode of The Landscape, Aaron welcomes pollsters Lori Weigel from New Bridge Strategy and Miranda Everitt from FM3 to discuss the 16th annual Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll. The bipartisan polling team breaks down voter attitudes across eight Western states on public lands, conservation priorities, and the Trump administration’s funding cuts and policy rollbacks. The poll reveals consensus across party lines—including among MAGA voters—on protecting public lands, opposing sell-offs, and prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuel extraction.

News

Groups sue over Trump effort to ‘erase’ history, science in national parks – Washington Post
Concessionaire Nominated To Run National Park Service – National Parks Traveler
Water worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows – Axios Phoenix
Opinion: Senators, reject the Steve Pearce nomination – Santa Fe New Mexican

Resources

2026 Conservation in the West Poll – Colorado College
Watch this episode on YouTube

Credits

Produced and hosted by Aaron Weiss with production support from Lauren Bogard, edited by Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: David Korzillus, BLM

The post Unpacking the 2026 Conservation in the West Poll appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.