Bob Sallinger, a key member of Oregon’s conservation community and a driving force in wildlife advocacy, died suddenly Thursday at the age of 57. His unexpected death leaves a deep void in Oregon’s environmental landscape.

Sallinger He devoted more than 30 years to the Portland Audubon Society, where he supported conservation efforts ranging from urban wildlife conservation. habitat protection. (The group’s name was changed to Oregon Bird Alliance Earlier this year.) He most recently served as executive director and river ranger of Willamette Riverkeeper, a position he took in June of this year after decades of environmental advocacy.

Known for his commitment to ecological conservation, Sallinger was instrumental in shaping policies that protected Oregon’s natural resources. He earned a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School, a bachelor’s degree in biology from Reed College, and served on numerous state boards, including the Portland Public Utilities Board and the Elliott State Research Forest Board.

— Tyler Brown is a breaking news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. You can reach him at [email protected] or 503-221-8243.