Idahoans still value outdoor recreation and conservation, according to a recent poll, but Idaho lags behind other Western states in how severe it considers environmental issues like climate change and wildfires.
Last week, Colorado College — a private college in Colorado Springs — released the results of its annual State of the Rockies poll, which asks registered voters in eight states where they stand on issues like public lands, water and climate change. Though the poll is in its 12th year, Idaho has only been included since 2018. The poll also includes Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Idaho residents' responses have remained consistent in some areas over the past five years. About two-thirds of respondents said they feel wildfires are becoming more severe and a bigger issue for the West. Ninety percent of Idahoans said they recreate on public lands, and roughly three-quarters think outdoor recreation is important for the state's economy.
