BURNS, Ore. (AP) — One of the protesters occupying a national wildlife refuge in Oregon says the ultimate goal is to turn the land over to local authorities so people can use it free of federal oversight.
Ryan Bundy — one of the sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a 2014 standoff with the government over grazing rights — told The Associated Press Sunday the protesters want to "restore the rights to people so they can use the land and resources" for ranching, logging, mining and recreation.
Ryan Bundy spoke at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge south of Burns, Oregon. Ryan Bundy says he and others are prepared to occupy the remote federal area indefinitely.
The protesters object to a prison sentence for local ranchers for burning federal land.
Ryan Bundy says the federal government has been "tromping on people's rights and privileges and properties and livelihoods."