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Conservation a Key Issue for Voters

Protecting public lands is not a partisan issue – 59 percent of Republicans and 67 percent of Independents agree on supporting enhanced protections for public lands

By Marne Haynes

As a 20-year resident of Big Sky, I realize the broad value of Montana’s landscapes every day when I look out my window, go for a hike, or ski on the trails of our surrounding national forests. These are the things that motivate me to participate in important initiatives, and to consider important conservation values when voting.

And clearly I am not alone. A 2014 Colorado College State of the Rockies poll shows that sentiment reflects the majority of voters in our region: 69 percent of voters in six Western states – including Montana – are “more likely to vote for a candidate who supports enhancing protections for some public lands, like national forests.”

Recently launched, Winning the West is a campaign that identifies land conservation as a winning issue with voters in Montana and six other Western states. It discusses bipartisan support for the economic value of our landscapes, and emphasizes the fact that policy makers cannot ignore Western conservation values.

Montana voters support the people and policies that protect our public lands. They support organizations that prioritize preserving Montana’s outdoor heritage rather than transferring them off to the state, which would be afforded only by selling to the highest, private-interest bidder. Our public lands provide an economic advantage to Montana by attracting innovative businesses that create jobs and investment in our communities. This is at the core of conservation issues facing Montana voters.

As the consulting director for Business for Montana’s Outdoors, I work with businesses across the state that advocate and educate on behalf of the economic value of Montana’s public lands. Our members represent over 90 businesses employing nearly 1,600 people throughout Montana; they understand the value our outdoor spaces bring to our communities, and to the quality of life that we all love.

Protecting public lands is not a partisan issue – 59 percent of Republicans and 67 percent of Independents agree on supporting enhanced protections for public lands. Voters in Montana recognize the intrinsic economic value of our national parks and other public lands, and expect our elected officials to fight for clean water, clear air, and places for future generations to live, play, and work.

Because Congress is challenged with passing any land protection bills this year, it is crucial that our representatives in Washington (and Helena) hear the voices spotlighted by Winning the West. Our decision makers need a constant reminder of the value that our public lands bring to Montana. Protecting national public lands matters, and Montanans will vote in a way that reflects that long-standing priority.

Marne Haynes lives in Big Sky