BURNS -- The leader of anti-government protesters occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge said Tuesday that the group won't leave until ranchers, loggers, farmers and other private landowners have wrested full control of the reserve's tens of thousands of acres.

Ammon Bundy, who has acted as a spokesman and head of the group, took no questions from reporters after making brief remarks vowing to hold his ground at the refuge until the private landowners "can stand strong enough to defend them themselves."

"We have been very active in forwarding our plan and assisting the people of Harney County in claiming and using their rights," he said. Once that happens, "then we will go home."

His statements followed Harney County Sheriff David Ward's call for the protesters to pack up and leave town.

Many of them hail from out of state -- places like Nevada, Arizona and Texas. Their presence has disrupted the community's daily rhythm, with Burns' schools and public buildings shuttered and law enforcement presence growing in town.

-- Kelly House

khouse@oregonian.com

503-221-8178

@Kelly_M_House