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Dakota Pipeline Protesters Burning Their Tents for 'Cultural Reasons'

February 22, 2017

Protesters against the Dakota Access Pipeline in Standing Rock, North Dakota are burning their tents, claiming it is for "cultural reasons."

Governor Doug Burgum and the Army Corps of Engineers have ordered the protesters to leave the site by 2 PM local time on Wednesday. The protesters have been told that they can either be bussed to Bismarck and receive a bus ticket home or be arrested. It's estimated that a few hundred protesters remain at the site.

The authorities want the protesters to leave because Spring will thaw the snow which brings mass flooding to the area, the Daily Mail and AP report. The campsite of the protesters is on federal land.

Many protesters have said that they would prefer to be arrested than go home. The Morton County Sheriff's Office will arrest those who refuse to leave and the Army Corps of Engineers will issue citations as well.

Although the protesters claim that the construction of the pipeline will harm the environment, much debris has been left behind by the protesters. Over 1,000 tons of waste has already been moved, and more cleanup has yet to occur.

"They're saying this is for cultural reasons," MSNBC reporter Cal Perry said as burning tents behind him emitted smoke.

Published under: Army , Protests