10:30 a.m.

An Oregon sheriff has endorsed two of the demands made by an armed group that took over a federal wildlife preserve.

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is in Harney County, where local, state and federal law enforcement have convened to figure out how to deal with the occupation by the activists opposing federal land policy.

Federal authorities have taken a hands-off approach so far and say they want a peaceful resolution.

Glenn Palmer, the sheriff of nearby Grant County, told The Oregonian that releasing two ranchers from prison and sending the FBI out of the region would "be a start" to ending the occupation.

Malheur County Sheriff Brian Wolfe, who has been assisting Harney County officials, says Palmer's position is hampering efforts to end the armed standoff.