The staff and board of EMSWCD were heartbroken to learn about the unexpected death of Bob Sallinger, a former board member of the District and Executive Director for Willamette Riverkeeper. Our hearts go out to his beloved family – his wife Elisabeth and three children. His loss is devastating. He will be sorely missed.
Bob Sallinger was a fierce and effective advocate for urban conservation. Photo credit Vince Patton, OPB
For decades Bob was a fierce, relentless, and passionate champion for Oregon’s most precious places – our forests, rivers, and coastlines – and the birds and animals living in them. He was in the vanguard of a movement that recognized the importance of urban conservation and fought to protect and enhance our connection to nature even in the most developed parts of Portland. Bob was twice elected to our Board of Directors, in 2008 and 2012, and served until 2016.
His legacy in this single role was immense, and we are grateful for Bob’s vision which led to some of our district’s most important decisions and impactful programs including our commitment to racial equity and urban conservation. He was the driver in establishing the district’s community grant programs – under which we’ve invested more than $12 million in nearly 200 nonprofit organizations through our Partners in Conservation grants. Bob fought to ensure that a portion of the District’s Land Conservation Fund could be used to protect local natural areas and create access for people living in district areas with the fewest parks and greenspaces. Nadaka Nature Park, Grant Butte, and the natural area portion of Colwood Golf Course acquisitions wouldn’t be the same without his advocacy. His support was also critical in securing EMSWCD emergency funding for Outdoor School until, in 2016, voters approved statewide support of this cornerstone Oregon program.
At our board meeting last night his former colleagues, Directors Mike Guebert and Laura Masterson, both spoke about Bob’s influence on them and what they learned from Bob about being effective board members. “He was a dedicated steward of public resources and public funds,” said Guebert. Board Chair Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky added, “Bob was one of the most interesting and well-rounded people I’ve ever met. Someone so committed to the community, hearing the voices of the people impacted, navigating city hall to navigating the bridges of Portland to rescuing Peregrine Falcons. He didn’t take people for granted.”
Bob’s contributions and advocacy made a huge difference in the district’s investments and direction and will hopefully inspire others to continue his legacy long into the future. “Those are huge shoes to fill. So much appreciation for him,” concluded Masterson.
