Seattle ? A major weapons stash and a purported hit list targeting local government officials have been uncovered in northern Montana, part of what authorities said Wednesday they believe was a violent anti-government plot being developed by a shadowy local militia group known as “Project Seven.”

In a court hearing in Kalispell, Mont., prosecutors said thousands of rounds of ammunition, firearms and booby traps were found near the home of one of two suspects arrested in the case, along with lists naming local police officers, judges and other officials.

Already facing charges in the case are David Burgert, 38, a longtime local anti-government activist thought to be the ringleader in the case, and Tracy Brockway, 32, charged with obstruction of justice for aiding Burgert. Police said they expect other arrests as the investigation continues.

An informant told police the group had plans to assassinate those named on the supposed hit list with the goal of triggering a wider conflict in which militia members from throughout the West would stand against the National Guard and international troops.

“Project Seven”  reportedly named because Montana designates Flathead its seventh county  is just the latest in a series of anti-government patriot groups that have sprung up in recent years throughout the rural West. But the extent of the weapons cache discovered in trailers outside of Kalispell was unusual, law enforcement officials said.

“I’m talking 24-foot camper trailers loaded with ammunition  25 to 30,000 rounds  illegal automatic machine guns, snare bombs, survival gear,” Flathead County Sheriff Jim Dupont said.