PORTLAND, Ore. — Bob Sallinger, the leader of two key Oregon wildlife conservation nonprofits and a champion of conservation across the state, has died at 57 years old.
According to Willamette Week, Sallinger died unexpectedly on Oct. 31 while working late at the Willamette Riverkeeper office in Oregon City.
Sallinger was executive director of both Willamette Riverkeeper and Bird Conservation Oregon, the latter of which he founded.
Sallinger was passionate about protecting wildlife, particularly birds, often stepping in to help personally, such as during a mysterious mass of bird deaths in Hillsboro in 2018, when baby peregrine falcons were orphaned in 2021, and protecting vulnerable species residing in the Elliott State Forest in 2022.
Sallinger also had his hands full during the COVID-19 pandemic with an overflow in people carting in wild animals to Bird Conservation Oregon. He encouraged love, knowledge and respect for local creatures.
In a tribute post on social media, Willamette Riverkeeper said it was "deeply saddened" by Sallinger's unexpected death.
"As we grieve alongside Bob's family, we also honor his immense contributions to the broader environmental community, and will continue to impart his spirit in our work toward the protection, restoration and conservation of river habitats and water quality across the entire Willamette watershed," the organization said.
The Bird Conservation Oregon Board — Kaitlin Lovell, Mike Houck and Dan Rohlf — also issued a statement, calling Sallinger's death "devastating."
"No one, living or past, has done more for environmental conservation in the Portland area or across the state than Bob. His decades of conservation work have benefitted birds and their habitat across Oregon, as well as protected ecosystems ranging from ancient forests to the high desert.
"He was a pioneer in highlighting the importance of preserving and restoring wildlife habitat in urban areas, and he was a key player in efforts to conserve iconic Oregon landscapes, including the Elliott Forest, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and the Klamath Basin. He also helped innumerable individual birds and other animals through his rescue and rehabilitation work, and he inspired Oregonians from all walks of life by sharing his vast knowledge about birds and their environment. Bob will be greatly missed," the organization said.
The Bird Alliance of Oregon also spoke out on socials regarding Sallinger's sudden death.
"Many of you know Bob from his 30 years at Bird Alliance of Oregon, starting from his early days as a dedicated rehab assistant at the Wildlife Care Center, and ending his tenure as one of the most effective and dogged conservation directors in the organization’s history. After leaving Bird Alliance in 2022, Bob went on to found the organization Bird Conservation Oregon, and to serve as the executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper.
The news has come as a shock to many in the community who loved Bob, and who witnessed his immense intellect, spirit, and passion that led him to achieve so many successes. Every Oregonian benefits from Bob’s vast catalog of work, from his efforts to protect our old growth forest to his work to reduce wildlife hazards across the state to cleaning up the Willamette River to working to recover imperiled species. Some of our most impactful campaigns are because of Bob, like Lights Out, Bird-safe Buildings, Cats Safe at Home, and the Backyard Habitat Certification Program."
"If you’ve seen a Peregrine Falcon fly over a Portland bridge, birded at Malheur or Klamath, enjoyed a hike in one of our region’s parks, or just breathed cleaner air, you have Bob to thank. The environmental movement has lost a giant. He will be deeply missed. And while Bob is a larger than life figure to many, to his family he was a loving husband and father. We send our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, and those closest to him."
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley also released a statement speaking on the unexpected passing of Sallinger:
“The passing of Bob Sallinger is a loss beyond measure for his family and loved ones, and for the conservation communities in Portland and across Oregon that he passionately worked with for decades.
Bob was a trusted voice, advising me on ways to safeguard the state’s natural wonders and wildlife and fighting against climate chaos. From his visionary work with the Bird Alliance of Oregon—transforming landscapes and protecting animals, such as the Peregrine Falcon—to restoring our iconic waterways and forests, Bob had his hand in countless efforts to preserve the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.
His environmental wins, achieved through tireless hard work, grit, collaboration, and compromise personified the Oregon Way. Bob may be gone, but he leaves behind an enduring legacy that is seen and felt in the lands, waters, and wildlife that he strengthened. His legacy is also carried in the spirit of future generations of conservationists who will use Bob’s collaborative work as a blueprint to truly appreciate and care for the natural treasures in our own backyards.
My heavy heart is with Bob’s wife Elisabeth and their three children, as well as the many Oregonians who were proud to call him a mentor and friend.”
Sallinger is survived by his wife and three children.