Wildlife: September 2004

The Noble Foundation has recently begun disseminating information about plans to cease operation of the Noble Foundation Wildlife Unit near Allen, Oklahoma.

Pursuant to a bequest from long-time Love County rancher D. Joyce Coffey, the Noble Foundation recently took possession of lands in Love County which formerly comprised a portion of Mr. Coffey's ranch. Because these lands are much closer to Foundation headquarters and staff than the Wildlife Unit and possess adequate wildlife habitat, we concluded that the Coffey lands provided many of the same opportunities available at the Wildlife Unit. We will be ceasing operation of the Wildlife Unit in June 2005 and will be conducting most of the deer research on land in Love County. Present Wildlife Unit staff will be relocated to other Noble Foundation properties.

The Wildlife Unit property will be offered for sale, with an anticipated June 2005 closing date. Information pertaining to the pending sale will be available soon. Please contact Wadell Altom at (580) 223-5810 for details.