Check out the whole backstory at http://theconservativetreehous.com.
That area has been settled by ranchers since the 1870s, and they created an irrigation system that resulted in an increase in wildlife population. The BLM then took over most of the surrounding ranches and pressured the remaining to sell by interfering with water rights and land access to remote parts of the Hammond ranch. This is a clear case of Federal tyranny. The first judge refused to impose the mandatory sentence, and these men were re-sentenced as a result.
We all need to go to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge! This has got to stop!!
Took over the ranches or purchased the ranches? If I remember correctly they were sold.