New Poll Destroy Any Excuse for Supporting Doug Burgum’s Public Lands Sell-Off

Montana Politicians Supporting Attacks on Public Land and Park Protections Out-Of-Step With Montanans 

HELENA, MT — New Montana polling offers a damning indictment of Doug Burgum, “Selloff Steve” Pearce, and the Montana politicians enabling their anti-parks, anti-public lands agenda. An overwhelming 84% of Montana voters, including four in five Republicans, support banning the sale or transfer of federal public lands, with two-thirds feeling strongly about it.

“I think it’s worth noting that when we talk about ‘bans,’ that’s one of the strongest words we ever use in terms of any policy proposals. So, the fact that they’re in support of banning something is really notable,” said pollster Lori Weigel of New Bridge Strategies. “That support for banning the sale or transfer of public lands is widespread.”

The findings don’t stop there. More than 60% of Montanans believe the funding cuts will hurt wildland fire management, backlogged maintenance, and wildlife conservation. And nearly 100% say it’s critical that federal agencies hold public meetings and allow public comment on federal projects, a direct rebuke of Doug Burgum’s ongoing assault on transparency and accountability.

“Voters in Montana overwhelmingly cherish and value their federal public lands and parks. It’s no surprise the Trump and Burgum fail-by-design plan to sell off America’s great outdoors is deeply unpopular. Make no mistake, Burgum is doing everything in his power to undermine our public lands,” said Jayson O’Neill, spokesperson for Save Our Parks. “Federal public lands are on the ballot this November. Every Montana politician should heed the warning: Don’t mess with them because Montanans are watching, and they won’t forget.”

The Montana Republican Party supports the transfer of federal public lands to states, repeatedly advocating for it in their platform, even though Montanans’ position on the issue has become more resolute in opposition. 

A report conducted last year found the transfer of federal lands would cost Montana taxpayers roughly $8 billion. Montana Governor Gianforte has signed legislation into law that made it easier for the state to sell off its public lands. Transferring of federal lands to state and local governments is a precursor to selling them off and privatization.

To speak with Save Our Parks spokesperson Jayson O’Neill, email jayson@focalpointstrategygroup.com. 

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