Survey Shows Montanans Overwhelmingly Support Protections for Southwest Montana Lands

It’s no surprise that Montanans believe in protecting clean water and wild places.

More than 80 percent of Montana voters support proposed legislation to permanently protect the Gallatin and Madison mountain ranges. That’s according to a new survey released by the University of Montana’s Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative.

The Greater Yellowstone Conservation and Recreation Act is a community-built plan to permanently protect 250,000 acres of the Gallatin and Madison ranges, areas that border some of the fastest-growing parts of Montana. More than 2,500 business owners, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, landowners, and conservationists already support the Act.

“The survey released this week shows not only that 80 percent of those surveyed support this legislation to protect the Gallatin and Madison ranges, but also there is growing support for strengthening protections for public lands across the state,” said Greater Yellowstone Coalition Montana Conservation Manager Sally Schrank – a member of the Gallatin Forest Partnership.

Photo Louise Johns