FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026
Contact:
Erika Brink
(951) 553-3561
New Polling in District 06 Shows Public Lands Have Incredibly Strong Bipartisan Support in the Sacramento Area
In the newly re-drawn CD-06, registered voters across the party spectrum expressed broad support for public lands and pro-public lands members of Congress
SACRAMENTO, CA — A new poll out today revealed that public lands are extremely important to voters across the political spectrum in California’s 6th Congressional District (CA-06). Public lands polled as an important issue both in voters’ personal lives and when thinking about their member of Congress. The survey showed protecting public lands is an important issue for voters of all party persuasions. They regularly visit these places and are concerned about their maintenance and accessibility.
The poll, conducted by North Star Opinion Research, surveyed 400 registered voters in the new CA-06, which spans from the western Sacramento suburbs to Roseville and Rocklin. 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.
“Supporting policies that protect public lands, and opposing policies that harm them, unites Californians across the political spectrum,” said Dan Judy, Vice President, North Star Opinion Research. “Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike all visit public lands. This survey confirmed that public lands are one of the rare issues bringing Americans together. Public lands are broadly popular: 92% of voters are more favorable to a member of Congress who supports funding to take care of these places.”
Among the key findings of the poll are the following:
- 65% of CA-06 voters visit public lands at least a few times per year.
- 90% of voters oppose proposals to sell off public lands to private interests and cut off use.
- 81% of voters say it is a bad idea to reduce funding and staffing for public lands, including 63% of Republicans and 82% of independents.
- 81% of voters, including 65% of Republicans and 82% of independents, say that protecting and preserving public lands and access is an important issue for their vote for Congress this year.
- 92% of voters are more favorable to a member of Congress who supports funding to take good care of our public lands, including facilities and park rangers.
“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.”
For residents of the new California 6th Congressional District, federal public lands and waters are an important part of everyday life and a short drive from home. Families and outdoor enthusiasts regularly visit Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, the Auburn Project Lands, Tahoe National Forest, Eldorado National Forest, Granite Chief Wilderness, and Desolation Wilderness to hike, camp, fish, boat, paddle, ski, raft, ride horses, view wildlife, and spend time together outdoors. These treasured places provide opportunities to make lasting memories, connect with nature, and enjoy the landscapes that make Northern California such a special place to live.
The district also includes federally owned public lands and waters associated with the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in Orangevale. Owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and managed in partnership with California State Parks, these lands and waters provide valuable public access to trails, shoreline areas, open space, and wildlife habitat in the heart of the Sacramento region. They support hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, paddling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing while helping protect natural resources and connect residents and visitors to the outdoors. These federal public lands and waters are an important part of the region’s quality of life and provide year-round recreation for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
This survey of 400 registered voters in California’s 6th Congressional District was conducted June 16-22, 2026. The margin of error for the full sample is ±4.9%.
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.
