Conservation groups demand end to refuge occupation

The armed group took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on January 2 to protest federal land use policies. One thanked him for raising awareness around issues of public lands, but told him it’s time to go home to his family.

County Judge Steve Grasty was one of the speakers Tuesday night, telling Bundy “it is time for you to go home”.

Demonstrators, including environmentalists, bird watchers and sportsmen, gather in front the Statehouse to protest against the recent occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern OR by group of arm… He also offered to meet with him anytime.

Further rallies were held throughout Portland, as well as in Boise, Idaho, Tuesday that sought to draw attention to the numbers of people who support the federal government’s management of public lands – in contrast to Bundy’s calls for local control over federal land management, the Associated Press reported.

Knezovich says he has spoken with Harney County Sheriff David Ward about the situation at the refuge.

The meeting, held at Burns High School, was attended by occupying organizer Ammon Bundy and other associates, and residents did not hold back on venting their anger, demanding that the armed militia leave their community immediately.

He said police have arrested two men affiliated with the group and included a new report that Duane Kirkland of Hamilton, Montana, was stopped and arrested Thursday on a felon in possession of a firearm charge.

They disagreed with Bundy’s demand that the refuge – a popular place for birdwatchers and hunters – be turned over to local residents.

Bundy is a son of rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a 2014 Nevada standoff with the federal government over grazing rights. Last week, the first arrest related to the occupation came when a militant driving a vehicle belonging to the refuge drove 30 miles into Burns to buy groceries. In an interview with OPB, he said the FBI and other federal authorities are “terrorizing” local residents, and that his group of militants – who call themselves Citizens for Constitutional Freedom – will act as “protectors” of the Burns community.