By Doug Ramsey - Public News Service - AZ

Nearly four in five Arizona voters see no conflict between conserving the state's natural resources and promoting a strong economy, according to a new Colorado College poll of people in six Rocky Mountain states.

A majority of those surveyed disagree with the idea that cutting environmental regulations would lead to a major increase in jobs, according to pollster Dave Metz of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates.

"There was no state among our six where we had a majority agree with that statement. And in two states, Arizona and Colorado, they rejected that view by a two-to-one margin."

The poll also asked if, in light of its budget problems, Arizona still should find money to protect public lands, water, wildlife and state parks. Nearly 90 percent said yes. The "Conservation in the West" poll surveyed 2,400 registered voters in the six states.

There was agreement across the political spectrum with the idea that states don't have to choose between protecting land and water, and a strong economy with good jobs. From 74 percent to 84 percent agreed, whether they considered themselves Republicans, Democrats, independents or Tea Partiers.

Arizona Wildlife Federation president Tom Mackin says he isn't surprised.

"Whether you're a conservative or a liberal, you still can enjoy all the outdoor benefits that the state has to offer, so that's really not a surprise to me."

Mackin sees a direct correlation between protecting Arizona's natural resources and the jobs created by tourism, hunting and fishing.

"Hunting and fishing in Arizona alone directly support over 20,000 jobs and $124 million in state and local taxes each year. You could not do those things if it wasn't for the abundance of lakes and public lands, and national forests. "

Half of Arizona voters in the poll said the state should be doing more to protect its air, water, wildlife and other natural resources. Seven percent said the state should do less.

The poll results are online at coloradocollege.edu.