Anti-pipeline protesters asked for $5,000 – got $1 million

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) – When a few dozen people began camping in North Dakota to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline, they set up a GoFundMe page with a $5,000 goal. That account now tops $1 million.

The fund is among several cash streams that have provided at least $3 million to help with legal costs, food and other supplies to those opposing the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline.

The money also could help protesters prolong their months-long encampments that have attracted thousands of supporters as the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe pursues the fight in court.

But demonstrators note that the money is quickly spent. It’s been used to purchase yurts, composting toilets and groceries at the camps. It also helps cover legal costs, including bail for some of the hundreds of protesters who’ve been arrested.