When it comes to the economy, 86 percent of those polled saw conserving public lands as positive for the state by attracting tourists and by supporting jobs in recreation and on farms and ranches. Nearly two-thirds agreed that public lands such as national parks and wilderness attract high-quality employers and good jobs to Montana, and 52 percent believe Montana is in a better position than other states because of public lands and outdoor recreation to attract employers and jobs.

When asked about private development on public lands, 70 percent agreed that private companies should not be allowed to develop if it would limit the public’s enjoyment or access, while 25 percent disagreed.

The job of the university is to provide information and science to the public, and the poll would have been published regardless of the results, said Rick Graetz, co-director of the Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative.

When asked how the poll could impact politics in the state, Graetz said he could not speak for the university, but he believed it probably will not affect how state legislators vote because politics is way too local. But it may shape the dialogue surrounding public land management, he said.

“I’m not surprised by the results, but we needed to validate our feelings,” he said. “Conservation with Montanans goes back more than 100 years and continues today.”

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