FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2026
Contact:
Erika Brink
(951) 553-3561
Californians Are Concerned with Rollbacks to National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands
CALIFORNIA — A recently released poll highlights that public lands are extremely important to voters across the political spectrum in California. The poll highlights that voters regularly visit public lands and are concerned about the maintenance and accessibility of national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas.
“It’s clear that across the political spectrum, Californians are concerned with rollbacks to national parks, national forests, and other public lands,” said Dan Judy, Vice President, North Star Opinion Research. “An overwhelming 81 percent of voters say it’s a bad idea to reduce funding and staffing for public lands and 89 percent of voters are more favorable to members of Congress who will take care of these places. Protecting public lands is one of the rare issues bringing Americans together right now.”
The data comes as visitors experience serious overcrowding at places like Yosemite National Park, local residents oppose anticipated rollbacks to national forest protections, and California continues to feel the impacts of park ranger and land manager firings.
“This polling backs up what I experienced working for the National Park Service at Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks and for the Bureau of Land Management,” said Linda Mazzu, a former NPS superintendent who spent nearly 40 years in federal service. “People from all walks of life care about our parks and public lands. Visitors want there to be land managers to take care of these places, and to help in an emergency. They don’t want to have to wait in long lines and deal with overcrowding. But that’s what has happened after all the staffing cuts last year, along with physical damage to parks and increased risk of wildfire.”
The poll, conducted by North Star Opinion Research, surveyed voters in four new congressional districts: CD-40 (Orange County and Riverside Counties), CD-23 (Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties), CD-22 (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties), and CD-06 (Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties). North Star Opinion Research is a national public opinion research firm that conducts surveys and focus groups for associations, non-profits, corporations, and Republican candidates for office at all levels.
Among the key findings of the poll are the following:
- Voters regularly use public lands such as national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, and wildlife refuges. 60 percent of the voters surveyed visit public lands at least a few times a year.
- 81 percent of voters say it is a bad idea to reduce funding and staffing for public lands. This position has strong support across the political spectrum, including 68 percent among Republicans, 80 percent among independents, and 94 among Democrats.
- 86 percent of voters oppose proposals to sell off public lands to corporations and other private interests, resulting in reduced public access. A staggering 75 percent of respondents are strongly opposed to these proposals.
- 69 percent of voters want their member of Congress to support a bill that would prohibit any further cuts to park and public lands staff for the next four years. This comes after staffing for parks and public lands has been severely reduced by the federal government.
- 82 percent of voters say that protecting and preserving public lands is one of several issues or the most important issue to them this year. This includes 71 percent of Republicans, 81 percent of independents, and 92 percent of Democrats.
- 89 percent of voters are more favorable towards members of Congress who support funding to take care of public lands, including facilities and park rangers.
In addition, local voices from across the four geographies offered their perspective on the importance of public lands to local residents:
“Bottom line, protected public lands are good for our economy and our way of life in the High Desert region,” said Iris Ivette Muñoz, President, High Desert Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Places like Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve attract visitors who shop in local businesses. Keeping this economic engine strong is important to all of us.”
“Mountain biking in Orange County is one of the greatest experiences anyone can have,” said David Browning, President, Orange County Mountain Bike Association (OCMTBA). “That’s why members of OCMTBA are passionate about keeping public lands protected and trail systems accessible for everyone to enjoy. We helped fight off Congress’ proposed public lands sell-off last year, opposed the firing of land managers, and we’re still standing up against the rollback of the Roadless Rule and other attempts to take away access to our backcountry.”
“From the American River corridor to Folsom Lake and the Tahoe National Forest, local residents love and enjoy our public lands and waters,” said Elena DeLacy, Executive Director, American River Conservancy. “These places are where people go to cool off in the summer, ride bikes with their kids, picnic, camp, and much more. It’s no wonder that people strongly support protecting these places – they are part of our way of life.”
“This poll shows how much people care about our national parks, wildlife refuges, and public lands,” said Dr. Yammilette Rodriguez, Youth Leadership Institute. “I’m excited to see how young people in our area now step up to care for and champion these places. They will be the leaders who create stronger, healthier communities and make sure that these places are protected for the next generation.”
“Public lands, parks, and other protected areas are where people find common ground,” said Dr. Logan Robertson Huecker, Executive Director, Sequoia Riverlands Trust. “We hear time and time again from local residents about the memories they’ve made in these places, whether visiting a local wildlife refuge or making a trip to our national parks and monuments. We want to see these places protected so that we can all have these experiences.”
This survey of 1,600 registered voters in California’s new 6th, 22nd, 23rd, and 40th Congressional Districts was conducted June 16-22, 2026, with 400 registered voters per district. For more information, see here.
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About the Power in Nature Coalition
Power in Nature is a statewide coalition of over 500 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, Indigenous organizations, and Tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power in Nature coalition has identified more than a hundred potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues, including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access, and social justice. For more information, visit PowerInNature.org.
About North Star Opinion Research
North Star Opinion Research is a national public opinion research firm based in Alexandria, VA. Founded in 1991, the firm conducts surveys and focus groups across the country for associations, non-profits, corporations, and Republican candidates for office at all levels. Roll Call, a widely read newspaper on Capitol Hill, calls the firm “one of the best in the nation,” and the firm has been recognized by the bipartisan American Association of Political Consultants as its “Pollster of the Year” as well as winning the “Public Affairs Campaign of the Year” award in 2012.
