A 62-year-old Oregon man was arrested Friday in Burns, Oregon, in connection with stolen Malheur National Wildlife Refuge vehicles, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office reports. Thousands of archeological artifacts and maps detailing where more can be found are stored at a national wildlife refuge now being held by a group of armed protestors. In a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Robyn Thorson, Tribal Chairperson Charlotte Rodrique asked for greater protection for cultural resources at the refuge, specifically asking for an inventory of archeological resources at the refuge headquarters, and for criminal prosecution for violators of the Archeological Resources Protection Act.
Advertisement
The shouting match happened just after occupiers arrived for their daily briefing carrying a basket of security cameras they removed Friday, apparently at the request of residents.
It’s not known if he’s part of the occupying group. The owners refused, and a standoff began between BLM officials and armed men from Oregon Oath Keepers chapters, much like the situation at the wildlife refuge.
Authorities say Kenneth Medenbach, of Crescent, was arrested on probable cause for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
The occupation started January 2 as a protest over two area ranchers who had been convicted of arson being returned to prison to serve longer sentences.
The incident comes amid rising tension between the protests, led by Ammon Bundy, and a local community increasing frustrated with the disruption to their local routine. In addition, the federal government has a Trust responsibility to the Burns Paiute Tribe to protect cultural resources on federal lands.
In a 29-page motion filed as part of his federal case, Medenbach claimed he and other Oregonians had no obligation to comply with BLM rules because they were unconstitutional.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is grateful for the quick actions from law enforcement”, said USFWS spokeswoman Megan Nagel.
Advertisement
Ryan Bundy has said the group isn’t interested in the artifacts, but it wants the refuge land opened to ranchers and loggers. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.
