BURNS, Ore.—A small, armed group has been occupying a remote national wildlife refuge in Oregon for a week to protest federal land-use policies.
The leader of the group—Ammon Bundy—has repeatedly rejected calls to leave buildings at the refuge despite pleas from the county sheriff, from many local residents, and from Oregon’s governor, among others. The standoff is a battle of wills between Bundy and Harney County Sheriff David Ward, who has become the public face of efforts by federal, state and local law officials to end the occupation peacefully. Bundy—who is not an Oregonian—insists he speaks for the interests of Harney County residents. But Ward says the community wants him to go.
How Did This Start?
The group seized buildings at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on Jan. 2 following a peaceful rally in support of two Oregon ranchers facing additional prison time for convictions of arson. The group says the case of the father-and-son ranchers, Dwight and Steve Hammond, is emblematic of onerous federal land use policies that make it difficult for ranchers, loggers and others in the West.
Exactly Who Is Occupying the Refuge?
The group calls itself Citizens for Constitutional Freedom. Ammon Bundy hasn’t provided exact numbers but it’s believed there are about two dozen people involved—some from as far away as Arizona and Michigan. Ammon Bundy is one of the sons of rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a 2014 Nevada standoff with the government over grazing rights. Ammon Bundy says they will leave when there’s a plan in place to turn over federal lands to locals.
