1 THE GATHERING STORM

Reagan-era Sagebrush Rebellion embers reignite in Harney County, Oregon when Ammon Bundy leads well-armed “patriots” to seize the headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, claiming “government overreach” in the resentencing of federal land arsonists Dwight and Steven Hammond. Protesters flood into Burns, dividing opinion and seeding fear. Newly minted Sheriff Dave Ward grapples with the quickly escalating and volatile situation.

2 HOW THE WEST WAS WRITTEN

A complex backdrop of conflicts in the American West sets the stage for extremism. The Burns Paiute Tribe, ranchers, and other locals weave a rich, often tragic history of survival in Oregon’s outback. Renowned Western historian Patty Limerick describes a boom-and-bust mentality driving westward expansion, at the cost of Indigenous people and settlers alike. A web of policies both protect and thwart resource-dependent communities and lead to the rise of environmental and “land rights” activism.

3 A COMMUNITY RALLIES

The town of 5,000 swarms with armed militia, law enforcement, and media stymying Sheriff Ward’s efforts to contain civil unrest. Ranchers, Tribal members, educators, business owners and others express frustration and fear. Ward and Bundy face off near the refuge, but the occupation continues into a third week. Raucous and cathartic community meetings reveal how divided the community—and our nation—have become.

4 THE REFUGE

Deep attachments to place and livelihood drive divergent stakeholders to claim the refuge—historically a magnet for conflict. A 1994 CNN broadcast profiles rancher Dwight Hammond in what he deems an existential battle with government agencies over land and water rights, leading to his first arrest. A few years later, a new refuge manager launches a risky collaborative approach to resolving entrenched disputes. Meanwhile, the occupation nears its own crossroads.

5 CROSSING THE RUBICON

Bundy and others traveling to the next county are intercepted and arrested by FBI and state police on a remote forest road. One of the occupation leaders, LaVoy Finicum, is shot and killed by Oregon State Police. A frantic exodus from the refuge ensues, while a handful opt to stay. Sheriff Ward offers his emotional plea for resolution as a livestream broadcast transmits a terrifying FBI negotiation-in-progress to 70,000 listeners worldwide.

6 HALLELUJAH, A COOKIE, & NEW THREATS

The surrender of the final four occupiers empties the refuge as the land edges toward spring. Portland trial dates for all 26 defendants are set, Harney County assesses the insurrection’s physical, emotional, and spiritual damage, and healing begins. The Burns Paiute Tribe fights for cultural continuity, migratory birds flood skies and fields, and the collaborative process continues. Then, an unexpected verdict, a political recall attempt, and a polarizing presidential election once again divide public sentiment.

7 REBELS WITH A COMMON CAUSE

Just as Harney County life normalizes, the 2017 solar eclipse and Rainbow Family Gathering draw thousands of new visitors, creating spectacle and concerning a wary community. President Trump’s 2018 pardon of Dwight and Steven Hammond spurs another gathering—including former refuge occupiers. Fears of renewed chaos plague Sheriff Ward and residents. Finally, on the horizon lie escalating, sometimes violent national protests, including those ironically located at the federal courthouse that staged Bundy’s acquittal. Malheur Refuge conservation continues, while Sheriff Ward seeks a new challenge.

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