Knowledgebase
Critters drawing by #947013
Asked October 13, 2026, 3:16 PM EDT
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
ODFW Headquarters:
Call:<personal data hidden>
Toll free: 800-720-ODFW
E-mail: <personal data hidden>
ODOT Corridors program:
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/geoenvironmental/pages/wildlife.aspx
At the state level, particular for major roads, there is a legal mandate (Wildlife Corridor Action Plan) for Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Oregon Dept of Transportation (ODOT) to design, plan, and coordinate wildlife crossings for major roadways. However projects often involve or originate with other agencies, one or more Tribes, or private foundations. The largest and most complex projects commonly come together for crossings of major roads/highways that are known to be high-kill sites for large-bodied game species and thus also high-risk for human injuries/vehicle collisions.
State funding opportunities help support some projects, including those targeting smaller-bodied and non-game species. The Wildlife Structure Infrastructure Projects is described and the (2025) coordinator contact, etc. is included here https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2025/06_Jun/062625.asp
Some larger projects can fit the funding mission of this program, too: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/OCRF/projects.html
A private non-profit, Environment Oregon, enlists citizens in recording wildlife + road interactions (live and dead) in an iNaturalist project that they compile annually to help inform ODFW and municipalities as to where crossings are needed. https://www.centraloregondaily.com/news/pets-animals-nature/oregon-roadside-wildlife-count-volunteers-wildlife-crossings/article_3615b8a1-f9db-4db3-b67c-d928f16a9c44.html