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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Governor Jack Dalrymple has called for assistance from the Jamestown-based 817th Engineering Company to assist with the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

Spokesperson Jeff Zent said the governor activated the North Dakota National Guard for service at the pipeline protests in September.

Zent also said the unit is most likely to provide security but he could not specify what duties the unit would be assigned, or the anticipated length of service.

Dalrymple signed the order Monday for protesters who are camping on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. Dalrymple cited “harsh winter conditions,” and his order said the unpermitted camp sites are not zoned for suitable housing.

Earlier, the Corps ordered the protesters to leave federal law but said it has no plans to forcibly remove anyone. Hundreds of people have been gathered at the encampment for months to oppose the four-state, $3.8 billion project, which they contend could affect drinking water and damage cultural sites.