BEND, Ore. (AP) - In the wake of the weeks-long standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, interest in the refuge’s annual bird festival has skyrocketed.
The Bulletin of Bend reports (https://is.gd/5qC1Js ) that officials say this year’s Harney County Migratory Bird Festival has seen more interest this year than past festivals with most of the scheduled bird-watching tours selling out earlier this week. Many of the guided tours take place within the Malheur refuge, where armed occupiers stayed for 41 days during a standoff with federal officials.
The festival began Thursday and runs through Sunday.
Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge President Gary Ivey says the occupation likely made the refuge more well known, increasing interest. He says since January his independent nonprofit has received about $75,000 in new memberships and donations.
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Information from: The Bulletin, https://www.bendbulletin.com
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