Photos released show damage to refuge left behind by Oregon militia, $4 million to repair

Photos have been released by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials that show the damage left behind following the occupation of a federal refuge by the Oregon militia in January and February, including a feces-filled latrine ditch dug on a Burns-Paiute Tribe sacred burial ground. Officials say it will cost at least $4 million to clean up trash and repair damaged buildings. This is in addition to $2 million that was spent during the takeover.

Pictures show broken walls and trash scattered both inside and outside of the facility where the 41-day occupation took place. Office records and Native American artifacts were scattered. Some artifacts were badly damaged.

Scientists at the refuge are trying to clean up the place in order to return to work. Tribal members were allowed in to visit the burial ground site on Feb. 29, but only after officials wearing Hazmat suits went in and cleared out the latrine ditch. Officials say it will be early summer before all the debris is removed and the damage repaired.

According to Indian Country Today, specifics as to how federal authorities will proceed with the cleanup are still developing. A road constructed by the occupiers will need to be removed, and three different trenches containing trash and human feces will somehow need to be remediated. An archeologist has preparing an assessment of damage and loss of cultural artifacts from various sites.

The 178,000-acre Malheur refuge was once part of the Malheur Indian Reservation, home of Northern Paiute tribes.

The leader of the occupation, Ammon Bundy, and 25 others of the Oregon militia face charges for their actions during the siege. In early March Bundy released a video from his Portland, Ore., jail cell that says he is not ashamed of the militia’s actions and has no regrets because he did what he knew was right.

Photo credit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service