Teresa Grossen has lived in Helvetia, Oregon, for decades. Her family name is synonymous with the word “Helvetia,” which refers to Switzerland. The Grossens arrived in the area in the late 1800s and were part of a large contingent that moved to the beauty of the rolling hills north of Hillsboro, as the landscape reminded them of home.
Many locals and travellers head North of US 26 to hit the Helvetia Tavern for a famous burger. Others are sightseeing or headed to grab a pumpkin or local produce. Widely considered as one of the most exclusive and bucolic places to live, Grossen has reached out to the Herald to ask that we help spread the word about a rising threat to public safety. And it comes as a result of one of the most beautiful animals in the Pacific NW just trying to exist and reproduce. She is referring to Elk.
Elk sightings, often in herds, are common in areas near Washington County. These areas have a mix of forested land, meadows, and agricultural land. The elk we are seeing are part of the Roosevelt elk herds that roam the Coastlines, mountains, and valleys in NW Oregon. Once fewer in number, there are now tens of thousands of animals, with their populations continuing to grow. Herds as big as 400 move around the region, although it is common to see smaller groups of 6 to 15.
Grossen witnessed a weekend car accident that pitted the driver of a pickup truck against three elk that were moving quickly across Helvetia Road. She reached out to us to help spread the word that a large herd is now present in the Valley, and drivers must be extra vigilant.
“Dirk, can you please spread the word that drivers need to exercise caution while traveling on Helvetia Road? We have a herd of elk on the move. So if people are headed to and from the Helvetia Tavern, especially after dark, please use caution on that stretch of road between the intersection of Helvetia Rd and West Union Rd and the Helvetia Tavern. We have had one accident there and a near miss this weekend.”
Grossen says that the Elk are likely to stay in the Community until Fall.
“There is as many as a hundred in the herd but are know to break up in smaller groups of 12-25.”
In 2018, another driver struck a herd of the massive animals about 2 miles southwest of US 26. Twelve dead animals and a near-dead driver were the result of that wreck.
Being a lifelong resident of Helvetia and Hillsboro, Oregon, Teresa has witnessed the elk come and go. And because of the deadly potential to both animals and humans, she is on a mission to warn people and to get signs put up. She is also driven by a deeply felt loss that she had to experience.
“One of my West Union Grade School friends was killed when she hit a deer coming home from the coast. I am on a mission to make sure no one else is killed. I am working on the county for an elk crossing sign now,” she said.
She has a great spot picked out and is trying to lobby for a sign before someone gets killed. If any of you can help her complete this task, please do.
If you travel the roads North of US 26 into Helvetia, North Plains, Banks, over Cornelius Pass, you must be so very careful. Watch your speed, keep your eyes wide open, and check the shoulders for eye-shine and big brown animals. They have been here longer than we have, so let’s respect them and yield for them as well. Be safe, everyone, and many thanks to Teresa for bringing this story forward!
I’m going to write to local television and local newspapers. Hopefully wec can get Washington and Multnomah counties to put up multiple signs and signs to slow down.
Thank you, Joel!
News stations are a great idea. Thank you!
Managing the herd with regulated hunting is the only thing that will have any impact . How many deer do you see hit near deer signs? Most of the public at large are horrendous drivers as it is.
Signs will do nothing. How about we work with landowners to allow hunting access.
Posting an Elk sign is a waste of money. Elk can’t read…