PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Wildlife Institute is working to conserve and enhance local populations of native western painted and western pond turtles in the Portland metro region. Fueled by a capstone grant from the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation along with funding and support from the Oregon Zoo, City of Portland, Metro, Port of Portland and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Institute will begin developing a conservation plan for the protection and enhancement of Portland area native turtles. In its final form, the plan will include management guidance for public and private landowners and specific voluntary actions that people can take to help native turtle populations to stabilize.

Both the western painted and western pond turtle are considered priority conservation species in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Freshwater turtles have declined precipitously worldwide and include many species at risk of extinction. Partners in this initiative are taking proactive steps to ensure that Oregon’s native turtles are here to stay.

The Oregon Wildlife Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of wildlife resources in both native and human-altered environments through research, education, and conservation planning. Visit www.oregonwildlife.org for more information.

The Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation champions projects that benefit fish, wildlife and habitat for access, education and enjoyment by all. Since its founding, OWHF has directed millions of dollars in funding to fish, wildlife and habitat projects. OWHF and ODFW work together to implement the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a blueprint and action plan for the long-term conservation of Oregon’s native fish and wildlife and their habitats. For more information about the Foundation visit www.owhf.org.

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