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Critters drawing by #947013

Asked October 13, 2026, 3:16 PM EDT

Local wild life is avoidably deprecated annually by local poor street design. Can you refer me to folks who might have a general interest in the urban / wild life intersection? I'd like to save my complaints and explanations for knowledgeable folks who can help me focus my efforts. Thanks in advance.

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

Road ecology is a complex and pervasive management problem and an actual area of research. Scale (a particular city vs a major state/Federal highway) will determine to whom you'll want to reach out.  

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 
Dr. Dana Sanchez Replied October 13, 2026, 4:44 PM EDT

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