The Oceti Sakowin camp is seen in a snowstorm Monday during a protest against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
Stephanie Keith / Reuters
The governor of North Dakota has ordered the immediate evacuation of the area where protesters have been opposing the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed the order Monday, citing ongoing and anticipated "severe weather storm conditions" that could "endanger human life." It applies to areas in Morton County near Cantapeta Creek and the Cannonball River — areas which includes the site where protesters have set up camp.
Dalrymple's order states that anyone choosing to stay in the area "does so at their own risk, and assumes any and all corresponding liabilities for their unlawful presence and occupation of evacuation area."
The order does not mention mandatory efforts to force the protesters out. However, it does state that encouraging people to enter or remain in the area "will be subject to penalties as defined by law." It also orders state agencies to not guarantee services in the area.
A spokesperson for Dalrymple told the West Fargo Pioneer that there are no plans to forcibly remove people from the area.
Representatives for Dalrymple did not immediately respond BuzzFeed News' request for more information.
A person walks a horse past the Oceti Sakowin camp in a snow storm near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota Monday.
Stephanie Keith / Reuters
On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the region where the protests were taking place. Some areas could see as much as 18 inches of snow. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe announced on Facebook that work at the protest sites would be suspended Monday and Tuesday due to the weather.
Dalrymple's order comes just days after the Army Corps of Engineers said it planned to close areas where protesters had gathered. The Corps has also said it does not plan to forcibly remove protesters, the Argus Leader reported.
The $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile Dakota Access Pipeline is almost finished. However, protesters, many of them Native Americans, have been gathered for months to oppose the project, saying that the proposed shale oil pipe threatens both sacred sites and water supplies in the region.
LINK: Army Tells Dakota Access Pipeline Protesters To Leave Camp By Dec. 5
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