“In light of violent protest activity, the corps has taken a necessary step to protect public safety. Now, the protesters should respect the law and peacefully leave the protest area. The well-being and property of ranchers, farmers and everyone else living in the region should not be threatened by protesters who are willing to commit acts of violence," Hoeven said in a statement released Saturday.

While Dalrymple said he supports the corps’ decision to close the property, he stressed the federal government must take the lead in enforcing the closure. The governor said the property should be closed due to ongoing public safety concerns involving unlawful protests and because of the serious health risk to those camping in subzero weather. A major weather storm is expected to hit the area Sunday night and into Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Bismarck.