article: The owners of an Oregon goldmine have called in gun-toting right-wing militiamen amid a bitter land use dispute with the U.S. government. Tensions have remained high at the Sugar Pine Mine near Medford after the facility was served with a federal stop-work order. The owners summoned  armed guards from the conservative Oath Keepers activist network ahead of a major protest outside local offices of the Bureau of Land Management yesterday. Together: Three Oath Keepers are seen armed Wednesday defending the mine . Protests: A Sugar Pine Miner supporter holds a anti-BLM sign at a rally outside the Bureau of Land Management's offices in Medford on Thursday . Ready to go: A member of the Oath Keepers is seen at the Sugar Pine Mine on Wednesday . Co-owner Rick Barclay acted after receiving a stop-work order last month when officials said they found equipment on site indicating operations inconsistent with standard mine development requirements. The miners have since appealed the order and spokesman, Kerby Jackson, confirmed paperwork had been filed to keep officials from 'burning or breaking anything' on the property - but gave no more details. The owners insist they want to avoid a high profile stand-off while BLM officials say they want to resolve the dispute peacefully. Owners: Sugar Pine Mine co-owners George Backes (L) and Rick Barclay talk about their mining operation outside Grants Pass, Oregon April 21, 2015 . Guards: Members of the Oath Keepers provide security at the Sugar Pine Mine outside Grants Pass, Oregon April 22, 2015 . Looking out: A close up shows the hat of a member of the Oath Keepers providing security at the Sugar Pine Mine outside Grants Pass on Wednesday . On watch: Members of the Oath Keepers sit by a campfire as they provide security Oregon April 22, 2015 . Sugar Pine Mine co-owners George Backes (L) and Rick Barclay talk about their mining operation outside Grants Pass, Oregon April 21, 2015 . Opening: Oath Keeper Joseph Rice stands at the entrance of the Sugar Pine Mine Tuesday . Sugar Pine Miner supporters set up signs outside the Bureau of Land Management's offices Thursday . But armed Oath Keeper activists have maintained a constant presence around the mine in recent days. According to the Mail Tribune, miners feared the BLM would destroy some of their cabin and equipment before they could appear in court for the appeal hearing. 'We appreciate and share the mining claimants’ interest in peacefully resolving the matter through the normal regulatory and administrative processes that are in place for such matter,' Bureau of Land Management spokesman Tom Gorey said in a statement, confirming the appeal had been received. Miners and supporters, some flocking from other states, gathered on Thursday at Oregon BLM offices. Gathered: A meal is prepared in a camp as  the Oath Keepers provide security at the Sugar Pine Mine outside Grants Pass, Oregon April 22, 2015 . Speech: Joseph Rice of the Oath Keepers (C) listens as Sugar Pine Mine owners George Backes (C) and Rick Barclay (R) address supporters at a rally outside the Bureau of Land Management's offices in Medford, Oregon April 23, 2015 . Protest: Joseph Rice of the Oath Keepers (R) holds a copy of the U.S. Constitution while speaking alongside Sugar Pine Mine owners George Backes (L) and Rick Barclay (C) At issue is a dispute over mine ownership records, Oregon BLM spokesman Jim Whittington said. The owners argue they have exclusive surface rights and need not follow federal regulations. But Whittington said while the owners have mining rights, the surface rights were ceded to the BLM in 1961 by the then-owners. The miners say they want to avoid a standoff like last year's fight between Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and the federal government in which the BLM sought to seize cattle because Bundy refused to pay grazing fees. Federal agents ultimately backed down. Gear: An Oath Keeper is seen with a vest that reads 'US Patriot' on Wednesday . Lookout: Miners and supporters, some flocking from other states, would gather on Thursday at Oregon BLM offices, according to the conservative Oath Keepers activist network. Oath Keepers are seen Wednesay . At issue is a dispute over mine ownership records, Oregon BLM spokesman Jim Whittington said. The owners argue they have exclusive surface rights and need not follow federal regulations . The miners say they want to avoid a standoff like last year's fight between Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and the federal government in which the BLM sought to seize cattle because Bundy refused to pay grazing fees . Officials closed BLM offices in Medford and nearby Grants Pass to the public on Thursday ahead of the protest. The BLM said it had also told employees to avoid the mine because of the armed activists. 'The safety of our employees and the public continues to be our top priority,' Gorey said, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful. Oath Keepers spokeswoman Mary Emerick said more supporters were en route to fill jobs for a long-haul protest, from security to cooking. Cliven Bundy's son, Ammon, said two family representatives had traveled to Oregon, and the family was monitoring the situation.
highlights: Owners of Sugar Pine Mine called in armed guards to protect their claim .
  Gold miners have appealed a federal stop-work order, U.S. officials said .
  Tensions remain high with supporters complaining of federal overreach .
  Armed guards from conservative Oath Keepers network among protesters .
  Officials claim they found equipment on site indicating operations inconsistent with standard mine development requirements .
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