WHITEFISH – Large crowds with opposing viewpoints could converge on Whitefish this weekend, as a conference featuring controversial activist Ammon Bundy comes to town, reigniting the debate over federal lands management.
Bundy has made national headlines for his family’s stance against the government’s management of public lands. He’s best known for his involvement in the weeks-long armed standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Oregon two years ago, and the clash with federal authorities at his family’s Nevada ranch in 2014.
He’s one of the keynote speakers for what’s being called the “New Code of the West Conference” Saturday at Grouse Mountain Lodge.
The appearance is drawing cries of outrage from public lands and conservation groups, who are expected to show up for their own competing rally.
Grouse Mountain Lodge, which is the location for the conference, issued a statement on Facebook saying organizers “were not candid in their conference agenda”, reiterating their support for public lands and promising to have “discussions” on vetting group bookings in the future.
