After Oregon standoff, some say: Right fight; wrong tactics

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Right fight; wrong strategy.

That’s what many ranchers and sympathizers of the armed occupation at a national wildlife refuge in Oregon have concluded. They say the weekslong standoff that ended Thursday with the arrests of the final occupiers has only strengthened the resolve to fight federal government control over public lands.

But many say the strategy needs to shift to more peaceful protests and to court battles aimed at prying control from U.S. officials.

Greg Whalen, a military veteran from Las Vegas, says they won’t back off. He says they’ll fight harder, but peacefully.

The dispute predates statehood in some places. But calls for action have become louder as federal agencies designate protected areas for endangered species and set aside tracts for mining, wind farms and natural gas exploration.