Oliver's Woods

by William. T. Penfound, 1966

While collecting salamander eggs in, what is now the Oliver Wildlife Preserve, in the spring of 1945, Dr. Arthur N. Bragg was apprehended by the owner, Mr. Fred G. Oliver. During the subsequent conversation Mr. Oliver said that he was interested in donating the area to the University of Oklahoma provided that the property be allowed to remain in its natural condition. After about a year (September 6, 1946), it was deeded to the University with the statement that it was "For use primarily for experimental purposes and to provide a wildlife sanctuary."

Utilization of the preserve
The Oliver Wildlife Preserve has become one of the most useful university research reserves in the country. The Department of Zoology has used it almost weekly since its establishment, especially professors Bragg, Carpenter, Ghent, Hopla, and Sutton. It is estimated that these professors have led an average of twelve (12) classes per year in the sanctuary. In the course of research in the preserve it is probable the professors and students have spent an average of 100 man~hours annually. The number of research papers based on the preserve is quite impressive, with a total of fourteen in zoology and two in botany. It has served as a rich source of records for the proposed book on the birds of Oklahoma. In addition, members of other organizations, such as the Boy Scouts and the Cleveland County Bird Club have visited the preserve for nature study.

The proposed highway through the sanctuary
In the course of the past three years it has been rumored that State Highway Number 9 was to pass near or through the Oliver Wildlife Preserve. Repeated letters from the preserve committee to the administrative officials of the University of Oklahoma always brought the same reassuring response that there was nothing to worry about. The committee first learned in late 1965 that the highway was to bi-sect the sanctuary, and registered their protest at a meeting of the City Commission. In the Norman Transcript for January 26, 1966, however, there occurred this statement which certainly had a ring of finality: "Under the city-state agreement the 4.07 mile route of the relocated highway will be as originally planned. This will take it through the south portion of the University's Oliver Wildlife Preserve." Obviously the University officials have either given permission directly or have arrived at a "decision by default" by not protesting at the proper time. In any case, the preserve committee was not consulted regarding this decision.

Effects of loss of the Preserve
The Oliver Wildlife Preserve is vital to the research and teaching program of the University of Oklahoma. It seems probable that, fifty years hence, the Oliver Wildlife Preserve might well be considered as "unique and valuable beyond price." Furthermore, we need more, and not fewer, natural areas if man is to retain his health and sanity. The gift of the Oliver Tract was made with the understanding that the area was to remain in its primeval condition. However, the bi-section of the preserve will have eliminated this "primeval condition'"and destroyed the preserve as a wildlife sanctuary.

The future
At the business meeting of the Cleveland County Bird Club on Thursday, February 10, 1966, unanimous decision was reached to campaign vigorously against the bisection of the Oliver Wildlife Preserve by the four-lane highway. The organization supports the relocation of the highway but feels it is imperative that the proposed route be changed to pass either along the south end of or the north end of the preserve and not through the middle of this valuable piece of living wilderness,

Wm. T. Penfound, President Cleveland County Bird Club