The refuge closed on the 120-acre Gunkel property on November 1.  The acquisition of this tract was a cooperative effort between the Friends of Deep Fork NWR (FDFNWR) and the Refuge.  The Service has attempted to purchase this prime bottomland hardwood tract for several years, but was unable to meet the owner’s price.  The FDFNWR was able to sell another piece of property that was donated to them by CheveronTexaco and use the proceeds from that sale to supplement the acquisition of the Gunkel property.  The Service used funds from a recent NRDA settlement to fund the Service’s portion of the acquisition.  The Gunkel tract was a key acquisition because it was located in the center of the refuge and contained an access route that traversed through a mile of refuge lands.  The acquisition of this property essentially eliminated issues and negative impacts related to this access.