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News Release

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.

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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.

Hillsboro Hops Release New Stadium Renderings And Amenities, Revealing A Game-changing Experience (Photo) -04/29/25

The landmark project is the first major stadium to be constructed in the Portland metro area since the Moda Center three decades ago

Hillsboro, Ore. —The Hillsboro Hops today released three new architectural renderings, offering a new look at the team’s future home—an innovative stadium currently under construction and slated to open for the 2026 season. The team also unveiled a suite of transformative amenities that promise to significantly enhance both the fan experience and player facilities, setting a new standard for minor league baseball. The stadium is on track for completion in December 2025. Crews recently completed structural steelwork, and they have begun the enclosure as well as interior walls.

“This ballpark will be a regional centerpiece, where fans can enjoy the best experience in minor league baseball,” said K.L. Wombacher, President and General Manager of the Hillsboro Hops. “For players, it's a major league-quality facility that will be the best in baseball. For the region, it’s a year-round destination that will drive premier events and economic growth for decades to come.”

Exciting new amenities

Fans can look forward to a dramatically enhanced game-day experience, including a 360-degree wraparound concourse, a beer garden and a dedicated food hall with six dining options. The ballpark has been reoriented for the sun at the backs of fans, providing a fully shaded seating bowl. A 32-foot canopy will provide shelter from rain and sun, creating a comfortable, all-weather venue for baseball, concerts, festivals and community events.

The total seating capacity will be 6,000 for baseball games and up to 7,000 for concerts and other events. A new premium club level will include a climate-controlled 9,000 square foot lounge offering upscale views, chef-inspired food, padded high-back seats and multiple bars. The concourse level will offer a variety of seating options designed to accommodate every kind of fan, including:

  • Padded club seats with extended leg room
  • Four-tops that include swivel chairs and half-moon tables
  • Family berm tickets for $8
  • Infield and Homeplate suites offering private group experiences

The Hops’ new ballpark will have a state-of-the-art sound system and an LED video board that will be four times larger than the current display.

For players and coaches, the stadium is being built to meet Major League Baseball’s updated facility standards. New amenities include expanded clubhouses, dining areas, weight rooms, indoor batting tunnels with 16-foot ceilings and dedicated facilities for female players, coaches and umpires.

“The Hillsboro Hops’ new ballpark is a premier venue—not just for baseball, but for the entire region’s sports and event landscape,” said Jim Etzel, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Oregon. “It’s the kind of bold investment in infrastructure and experience that strengthens Oregon’s economy and reputation as a premier destination for sports and entertainment.”

Collaborative vision and funding

The new stadium is the result of a strong public-private partnership that reflects the region's commitment to sports, community and economic growth. The $150 million project is backed by private and public funding sources: The Hops' ownership group is contributing $112 million, the City of Hillsboro is contributing $18 million via lodging taxes, the Oregon Legislature has committed $15 million, Washington County is providing $8 million and Explore Tualatin Valley is contributing $2 million. The facility was designed by a team led by Populous and SRG.

Economic and community impact

Construction is projected to generate $190 million in local economic output, including almost 1,000 jobs, according to an ECONorthwest study. Once open, the ballpark is expected to contribute $64 million annually to the local economy, including 50 full-time, year-round jobs and 380 seasonal jobs that will pay about $20 million in wages.

About Hillsboro Hops

The Hillsboro Hops are the High-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A three-time Northwest League champion (2014, 2015 and 2019), the Hops are known for delivering an exceptional fan experience, player development and deep community engagement. The Hops are currently building a new state-of-the-art stadium set to open for the 2026 season, which will serve as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment and community events in the Portland metro area. Learn more at www.hillsborohops.com or follow the team @HillsboroHops on Facebook, Instagram, X and Snapchat.