Malheur refuge HQ to stay shut during trial

The headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge could remain closed for the rest of the year. It’s been closed since the armed occupation in January.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is installing security upgrades at the refuge headquarters and visitor center, and said the work could take until early spring.

The upcoming trial of eight defendants who occupied the headquarters, including Ammon and Ryan Bundy, is creating additional interest in the refuge.

Jason Holm, spokesman for the Pacific Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said federal and local law enforcement regularly brief the agency on security concerns.

“We take all of these things seriously now,” Holm said.

Roads and wetlands at the refuge remain open to visitors. Fall is a prime time to watch sandhill cranes that stop in Oregon during their migration south

“Please continue to go there and check birds off your life list,” Holm said. “And then, rather than heading into the visitor center, head into Burns, eat at a local restaurant, and provide some boost to their economy, as well.”