OR governor criticizes feds’ handling of occupation

Bundy has drawn a lot of attention to the dissatisfaction of ranchers and local townsfolk with federal land-use policies in the West. But the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge has also begun to result in pushback from others who use public lands – birders, hunters and hikers, among others.

Renee Irvin holds a sign during a rally against the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by Ammon Bundy and his armed followers, while joining the rally at the Federal Building in Eugene, Ore., Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. With the armed takeover of the national wildlife refuge in southeastern OR in its third week, Bundy and his armed group are still trying to muster up broad community support, so far without much luck. Many of them sympathize with the issues being raised but prioritize the peace of their community. During the conference, she advised state officials to “scrub” the submitted budget for next month to offset the costs of the ongoing standoff, The Oregonian reported.

OR locals impacted by the armed standoff at a national wildlife refuge on Tuesday told organizer Ammon Bundy that he had made his point and needs to end the protest.

This rally was one of many that happened throughout the state Tuesday.

They have said they want to see federally managed lands in the county be returned to the people of Harney County.

People participating in the counterprotests, primarily birders, hikers and hunters, said they disagree with the Bundy’s proposed goal of forcing the federal government to allow local residents to take control of the land so it can be used for ranching, mining and logging. And they would like to see a pair of Harney County ranchers doing time in federal prison for arson convictions freed.

“Ammon, you need to go home to your family; thank you”, one local woman Jennifer Williams said, according to the Associated Press.

“I hope they lock it down”. Law enforcement has drawn criticism for allowing the occupiers to freely come and go from the refuge, often to replenish their supplies.

Oregon’s governor expressed anger Wednesday over federal authorities’ handling of the occupation of a national wildlife refuge by an armed group and said she intends to bill the USA government for what the… “Maybe it’s time”, he said.

The group took over the wildlife refuge on January 2, and Brown said Wednesday the cost to taxpayers has been $100,000 a week. He has also said he is obeying a divine command.