× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

MORTON COUNTY — It's been five weeks since Mike Featherman set up his tent at the Oceti Sakowin camp in Morton County.

The camp has thinned by about half since then, largely because of the cold weather that has descended on the area, he said.

Once "tent-to-tent," the camp is less dense now, with more teepees, fewer tents and a couple of winterized shelters. The once-green grass has turned brown, and the sky is a less brilliant blue.

"That cold wind just got to them," the Oglala, S.D., man said of a group from Oregon that left recently.

The Bismarck area had its first frost of the season this past week, with high temperatures in the 40s for several days, according to Jeff Schild of the National Weather Service. By mid-November, the highs typically dip into the mid-30s; and by early December, they rarely pass the 20s.

But many are determined to stick it out at the protest camps for "as long as it takes."

For Featherman's part, he set up a firepit and picked up some extra blankets. He said the plan is to move people inward, so less walking is required in the bitter mornings.

"Stay in a huddle," he said.