The decision to develop wind energy on public land in Oklahoma rests in the hands of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, a group of political appointees chosen by the governor mainly on the strength of their patronage rather than any intrinsic knowledge of wildlife issues.

It remains to be seen whether they will side with their constituency or side with corporate interests.

A decision is still some time away and publicly the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is still studying the issue, though privately many of its rank-and-file are concerned about the outcome.

In the words of one wildlife department employee "we know other wildlife agencies around the country are watching us see what happens at Cooper. This is going to set a precedent, good or bad.-¿