Oregon purple martins (Progne subis) are considered "at risk" and little is known about where these birds nest other than the nest boxes provided by humans. A project developed by the Northwest Habitat Institute and multiple government and private conservation partners will focus on documenting purple martin nesting in western Oregon dead tree or "snag" cavities.


A study was initiated to evaluate the relationships between the presence of bats and snags and roost trees in the managed forests of western Oregon. Findings from this effort will provide managers with an increased understanding of the influences of silviculture techniques on bat biology. Cooperators include Bat Conservation International, B.L.M, Weyerhaeuser and other governmental and private conservation interests.


The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sponsored the 7th Western Black Bear Workshop May 2000. This event is held every three years, and provides a setting for the exchange of ideas, research findings, and state/province management updates. Many of the social issues of bear/human conflicts will be covered by oral presentations and group discussions. Funds contributed were used to help defray the costs of the proceeding's printing, invited speakers, and workshop facilities.


The Umpqua Watersheds and The Coquille Watershed Association are non-profit organizations, and are dedicated to sound stewardship of public and private lands with an emphasis on sustainability and restoration. Board members include both forest management professionals and general residents of the watersheds for the Umpqua and Coquille Rivers. Both organizations are concerned with tree harvest practices, land use issues, salmon and trout populations, and the public's awareness of natural resource use in the respective regions.


Silverspot Butterflies are listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. There are four known populations of this butterfly along the Oregon coast. The Cascade Head region population has dramatically declined in the past several years most likely due to weather and habitiat changes. A collaborative effort to propagate butterflies and improve habitiat has been implemented by several organizations and governmental agencies. Financial support has been given to provide equipment to grow the wild violet species used as a food source for the developing larvae.


Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep populations are returning to the Hell Canyon Area. For two decades efforts have been made to transplant sheep from British Columbia and Alberta, Canada to re-establish groups on both the Oregon and Idaho sides of the Snake River. Progress has been hampered by die-offs caused by a bacterial pneumonia passed on by domestic sheep. In recent years, grazing rights on federal land have been curtailed to help keep wild and domestic sheep separate. Funds contributed were used to monitor sheep currently in the canyon and for costs of transplanting sheep to expand genetic diversity.


The Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation assists with fish and wildlife projects throughout the state of Oregon. Since 1981, this organization has contributed over 3 million dollars directly to conservation projects. Projects have included a sturgeon viewing and interpretive center, land purchases along the Deschutes River, upland bird habitat, and coastal salmon habitat restoration. Funds contributed provided assistance for the Western Meadowlark Project.