Helping Wildlife Access The Resources They Need To Survive (Photo) -05/21/25
Oregon Wildlife Foundation provides updates for three projects
(PORTLAND, Ore.) – Roads fragment and reduce the quality of habitat, and cause collisions with wildlife. According to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) carcass collection data, approximately 5,000 large-bodied animals, including elk, deer, bear, and antelope, are killed annually in wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs). The actual number of wildlife killed by roads in Oregon is likely much higher, as, according to researchers, an equal or higher number of animals die outside the highway right-of-way every year but are not included in ‘conventionally collected road survey carcass data.’
Smaller species like birds of prey, frogs, coyotes, and turtles are also unaccounted for, so the total impact of roads on wildlife is not fully understood. WVCs are dangerous for people, too. On average, in Oregon, 1-2 motorists will lose their lives due to collisions or near misses with wildlife. Finally, damage to private and public property resulting from WVCs and accident avoidance numbers in the tens of millions of dollars annually.
One of Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s conservation priorities is to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife. We’re working with ODOT, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and community-based partners throughout Oregon on wildlife passage projects, habitat connectivity, and the protection of wildlife migration corridors. Interested members of the public can support our efforts by donating to our Watch for Wildlife fund.
The following is a sample of the projects that Oregon Wildlife Foundation supports. For a complete list and more information, visit www.myowf.org/wildlifemoves.
I-84 NE Oregon Wildlife Crossing Project
Interstate 84, in NE Oregon, is an almost complete barrier to wildlife movement. The goal of the NE Oregon Wildlife Crossing Coalition is to increase wildlife access to habitat across the interstate. A wildlife crossing mitigation study to identify and prioritize crossing locations along two segments of I-84 between Pendleton and La Grande will be followed by the development of designs for new structures, including overcrossing and undercrossings and retrofits of existing bridges and culverts to accommodate wildlife use.
Improving wildlife access to habitat across I-84 will increase genetic diversity and resilience to climate change impacts, including degraded habitat due to drought and more frequent wildfire events. With the Oregon Wildlife Foundation as their fiscal sponsor, the Coalition has begun fundraising for this study of I-84. Donate via the Watch for Wildlife fund.
Harborton Frog Crossing Project (Hwy 30 near Linnton)
Oregon Wildlife Foundation is the sponsor of the Harborton Frog Crossing Project, an initiative along highway 30 in Linnton to provide a local population of Northern red-legged frogs with safe access to the wetland they need to produce.
Volunteers with the Harborton Frog Shuttle are working to conserve this subpopulation of red-legged frogs; gathering them in buckets, driving them across busy Highway 30, and releasing them near Harborton wetland. They repeat this process when the frogs have laid their eggs and have begun returning to their forest home. The extraordinary efforts of Shuttle volunteers are helping conserve red-legged frogs, but a sustainable habitat connectivity solution is needed.
The Coalition commissioned a wildlife crossing analysis and conceptual design for a dedicated passage structure to be that long-term solution. The phase I report for the Harborton Frog Crossing Project was published in November 2024. Fundraising for Phase II, full design and engineering, is now underway.
Northern red-legged frogs are not classified as an endangered species and aren’t a threat to motorist safety. As a result, our project doesn’t qualify for most sources of wildlife crossing funding. To make this project a reality, we need your help. Every dollar counts! Visit www.myOWF.org/frogs to donate.
Humboldt Marten Crossing Hwy 101
Humboldt or coastal marten are a subspecies of American marten and make their home along the coast of southern Oregon and northern California. With an estimated total Oregon population of only 71 individuals, the loss of even a single individual is significant. Currently, one of the largest contributors to mortality among Humboldt marten are vehicle strikes on Highway 101 and along the TransPacific Parkway near North Bend.
The goal of this project is to reduce vehicle-related mortality of Humboldt marten and other wildlife along Highway 101 by retrofitting existing highway infrastructure, like culverts and bridges, or building new structures in areas where marten presence is documented. This project is being managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service with a coalition of federal and state agencies, and community-based organizations providing technical and other assistance to the effort.
With funding support from our Watch for Wildlife Fund and other sources, a consulting team is conducting a wildlife crossing mitigation analysis to determine the best locations and design alternatives for crossings within the target highway corridor. Donate via our Watch for Wildlife fund.
###
Oregon Wildlife Foundation
Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since its founding in 1981, the Foundation has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org.