So far, the authorities have not moved in to remove Bundy’s group.
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“In the century of [the] Malheur National Wildlife Refuge’s existence, enormous effort has been displayed by partners, surrounding communities, ranchers and landowners to restore a devastated landscape”, the statement reads. The armed men have threatened to stay at the property until the federal government releases Dwight and Steven Hammond, two local ranchers who were convicted for arson on federal lands and are now serving their sentences.
In 1993, the BLM attempted to reduce overgrazing by cattle owned by Ammon’s father, Cliven, citing the damage his cows were causing to the fragile habitat of the threatened desert tortoise in Nevada.
VICE News traveled to Harney County, Oregon to meet with militia leaders, attend town hall meetings, and speak with local ranchers whom the protesters claim to be representing.
Rep. Cliff Bentz, the Republican state representative whose district includes the wildlife refuge, says he told Heard not to come because it would be “inappropriate”. Heard did not return a call Sunday from The Associated Press.
The anti-government group that took over an OR wildlife refuge is asking supporters to send supplies. On Saturday, the Pacific Patriot Network arrived fully armed for security purposes, but left several hours later after occupation leaders told them they weren’t needed.
The standoff is the latest flare up of tensions over federal management of Western lands.
These pro-public land rallies turned out 10 and 20 times as many people as the Malheur occupation, they were conducted legally and peacefully, and they were made up of local public land supporters – not out-of-state activists.
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Be Civil – It’s OK to have a difference in opinion but there’s no need to be a jerk.
