American Bird Conservancy Statement on the Malheur Occupation Case

Contact: Jennifer Howard, Director of Public Relations, 202-888-7472

(Washington, D.C., Oct. 29, 2016) American Bird Conservancy respects the judicial process but is deeply troubled by the outcome of the Malheur case. Allowing armed occupiers to take over public lands sets a dangerous precedent. It puts our ecologically valuable wildlife at risk and disrespects the men and women charged with protecting our natural resources.

“The occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge was an affront to the millions of Americans who love birds and the public lands that provide them habitat, and who respect federal employees for trying to do their jobs,” said ABC President George Fenwick. “National Wildlife Refuges are important for birds and other wildlife, and for the nearby communities that benefit from tourism generated by wildlife watching, hunting, and fishing. We need to honor these lands, and the public servants that act​ as our stewards, and not allow small groups of armed extremists to take over for themselves what belongs to all Americans.”

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American Bird Conservancy is the Western Hemisphere's bird conservation specialist—the only organization with a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With a focus on efficiency and working in partnership, we take on the toughest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on sound science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation.