This story ignores consequences for the refuge itself, a strange oversight.  Malheur has lost, or will lose, about a third of its staff to resignations or transfers.  This includes the entire scientific staff, all of whom are leaving this summer for new positions. 

The refuge archaeologist with 27 years experience on site? Going.  The fish biologist who has led the carp control efforts? Going. The other two biologists? Going.

In effect, the federal government decided to sacrifice the functionality of Malheur in order to preserve the Bundite perps from harm until they could be collected.  This was a humane solution but one that damaged public resources as well as the community (the Burns city manager and other valued local leaders have also left).  

It remains to be seen whether steps will be taken to rebuild Malheur's staff and protect the refuge and other public lands from future invasions.  If our refuges can be effectively dismembered by itinerant thugs, the Bundites win.