
Having worked with Bob closely for well over a decade, I often had a front-row seat to observing his multidimensional genius as he worked across countless campaigns. So much of what I learned was not only relevant to my conservation work, but more importantly were life lessons that would lead me to be a better person and community member. Whether it was his focus on crafting a durable and lasting policy solution instead of a quick fix, the importance of building genuine, long-term relationships with both friend and foe, or centering those most impacted when crafting a solution to an environmental injustice—his leadership shaped me and thousands of others who entered his orbit.
I’m so grateful to have learned from him, and I know I’m not unique in my experience. He offered genuine care and attention to those he interacted with in his professional and personal life. He made sure to thank volunteers in our Wildlife Care Center for their commitment to caring for injured wildlife. He approached first-time advocates after a public hearing to thank them for testifying and welcome them into the movement. He’d lend an ear to an energetic child sharing a wildlife interaction with him. And he’d disarm a seasoned politician with his likable personality and often—with persuasive conviction coupled with encyclopedic knowledge—convince them to support his position on almost any environmental issue. His interactions always had a magnetic feel to them, bringing people closer to the movement to improve our natural world and inspiring folks across the board to take the next step toward coexistence with wildlife.
Since his passing, I’ve reflected a lot on Bob’s impact on me, the organization he shaped, and the broader conservation movement in Oregon. I’ve tried to distill this into some guidelines that I’ll be using to help inform my conservation work at this organization and beyond.

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- Be grateful to the ones who came before you, and honor their impact.
- Never allay the big vision, but rather take iterative steps to reach it.
- Celebrate victories whenever you can, whether big or small.
- Have fun in your advocacy.
- Thank others often for their contribution to the movement, however big or small.
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Bob, thank you for your commitment to being an unwavering advocate for wildlife and wild places.
And thanks to all of you who are reading this and are carrying on toward fulfilling his vision for a better world—your impact makes a difference.
Quotes from Collaborators
Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon: “A fierce advocate for wildlife, nature, and a sustainable future, his energy and commitment will be missed.”
High Desert Partnership (HDP): “The world lost Bob in 2024 and we will always feel his loss here at HDP; he has been with us since the beginning when the vision for HDP was just coming to life. Bob epitomized what it was to work together on some really complex ecological issues and he’s left a deep legacy here in Harney County. He brought such vision, passion and the beautiful ability to tell stories that engaged and welcomed people in. Bob taught us so much, probably more than we realized at the time. His influence powerfully shaped not just the collaborative work we do, but the very way we approach our relationships with one another.”
Liv Brumfield, Renew Forest Park Coordinator, Portland Parks and Recreation: “Bob Sallinger was deeply knowledgeable, thoughtful, and passionate about protecting the natural world. Bob always showed up with both heart and reason, demanding accountability and transparency while working collaboratively with partners to achieve better conservation outcomes. His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will live on in the communities and landscapes he fought so tirelessly to protect.”
Khanh Pham, Oregon State Senator: “Devastated to learn about the passing of a champion of our statewide environmental and conservation movements. Bob was key in helping build the coalition for the Portland Clean Energy Fund, among so many other major victories. I’ll miss him deeply.”
Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator from Oregon: “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.”
Adena Long, Director of Portland Parks and Recreation: “Bob was a stalwart champion of green spaces, wildlife and nature—all across Oregon, but especially here at home, in Portland. Our community, including its beloved parks and recreation system, is better for his strong, unwavering commitment. May his memory be a blessing.”
Ted Wheeler, Mayor of Portland: “Bob Sallinger was a compassionate, thoughtful, and tireless advocate who worked with zeal to inform the community about the importance of environmental protections. He will be missed.”
Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator from Oregon: “Oregon’s roll call of environmental heroes begins with titans like Tom McCall and got even stronger thanks to dedicated advocates like Bob Sallinger. My condolences to Bob’s friends and loved ones. He will be hugely missed.”
Karen Kraus, Executive Director of Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon: “He did so much good, for so many species of plants, animals, and landscapes that it’s incomprehensible”