|
National Motorized
Recreation Group Releases Public Opinion Poll
Public Opposes Limiting Access to National
Forests
 Grand Junction, CO - April 18, 2006 - The
BlueRibbon Coalition, a national trail-based
recreational access group, today released
results of a poll taken in Western Colorado
showing wide opposition to further reductions in
recreational access to National Forests. The
survey of 500 registered voters was conducted in
the eight counties in or surrounding the Grand
Mesa, Uncompaghre and Gunnison National Forests
(known as GMUG forests) and shows nearly
three-quarter of the region's voters reject
Forest Service changes that could limit public
access.
The survey was conducted by Public Opinion
Strategies, one of the largest public policy
polling firms in the nation with offices in
Washington, Denver and Los Angeles. The survey
has a margin of error of +/- 4.38%. The poll
asked questions related to various new
management proposals on the GMUG forests, which
are in the process of updating their management
plans. The poll also asked what residents
thought about proposals from local environmental
groups.
Brian Hawthorne, Public Lands Director for
BRC said; "This survey rebukes the efforts of
environmental groups to restrict recreational
access to public lands under the guise of
protection. This poll shows wide support across
the political spectrum for balanced management
of the region's National Forests."
The poll clearly demonstrates that the vast
majority of residents in Western Colorado
strongly object to further reductions in public
access that have recently been proposed by the
Forest Service. In fact, a clear majority favor
encouraging access instead of increased limits
in the form of new roadless or Wilderness areas
as contemplated by the agency.
Fully 73% of local residents say the Forest
Service should not reduce public access on local
National Forests. A majority (58%) say they
strongly feel this way. Opposition to
restrictive management is strong across the
political spectrum, as 65% of Democrats, 76% of
Independents and 74% of Republicans oppose
increases in roadless and Wilderness areas.
Sportsmen are particularly opposed, as 81% of
hunters and 76% of anglers say the Forest
Service should not change regulations to reduce
access or increase roadless areas.
Hawthorne noted that the more voters know
about the specifics of the proposals the more
inclined they are to oppose restrictive
management. Fully 78% oppose reducing access
among those who have seen "a lot" or "some"
information on this issue, as compared to 69%
opposition among those who have seen little or
nothing about the issue.
The poll also suggests the more the public
learns about forest management the more they
oppose closures. Residents were told that...
One proposal being considered by the Forest
Service would more than double the area that
would be closed to residents who choose to use a
motorized vehicle to access the back country.
Residents would still be able to hike, bike or
horseback ride on trails.
Having heard this additional information,
six-in-ten (59%) continues to believe the Forest
Service should not change the current
regulations to reduce public access, with 49%
strongly feeling this way. Perhaps most stunning
is the fact that a majority (52%) of
self-described environmentalists oppose these
proposed changes.
Local residents are also concerned about the
effect of new Forest Plans on local economies.
When faced with a choice of placing an emphasis
protecting wildlife and preserving our forests
in their pristine state versus an emphasis on
protecting jobs and helping America become more
energy independent, voters have a slight
preference toward emphasizing jobs (47% vs 45%).
However, an overwhelming majority (80%) oppose
making changes that could negatively affect
small towns that rely on hunting, fishing and
tourism for their local economy. And a clear
majority (62%) are opposed to the Clinton era "Roadless
rule" if it means the loss of good-paying jobs.
"Residents know that protection of natural
resources and use of those resources are not
mutually exclusive," Hawthorne said.
"Recreation, including vehicle assisted
recreation is an important "leg of the economic
chair" for these local economies," he added.
Hawthorne noted that according to a recent
Economic Impact Study commissioned by Colorado
Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, the OHV industry
is worth nearly half a billion dollars to
Colorado.
Local recreational groups were delighted at
the results. "The BlueRibbon Poll simply
confirms what most people from this area already
know. Whether we snowmobile, trail ride, or
hike, Western Colorado is a land that relies on
having access to our public lands. I think this
poll sends a strong message that inaccessible
Roadless areas and Wilderness areas are not
popular with people in Western Colorado," said
John Martin, a small business owner and avid
motorized recreation enthusiast.
Martin has owned a business in Mesa County
for 26 years and has seen the importance of
access to National Forests to the local economy.
Martin said; "Access to public lands, whether
for recreation or business related is the
foundation of our economy. There has been a good
balance between providing for jobs and
protecting the environment. Western Colorado has
benefited from that balance and our communities
would suffer if the environmental groups succeed
in closing vast areas."
"This survey confirms our belief that some
'environmental special interest groups' are way
outside the mainstream with proposals limiting
public access," said Dennis Larratt, Chair of
the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition.
"This is a call to action for the thousands and
thousands of snowmobilers, ATV riders, trail
riders, elderly, and sportsman. With the
roadless task force getting ready to determine
roadless areas in Colorado, the time to get
involved in your public lands is now."
To view Key Findings from the Poll click the
link below.
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/PL/GMUG/GMUG
Survey Key Findings.pdf
|
