[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, on behalf of all Oregonians, I wish 
to recognize the recent accomplishments of Oregon's first national park 
at Crater Lake.
  President Theodore Roosevelt had never set his eyes on the deep blue 
waters of Crater Lake when he signed the law in 1902 making Crater Lake 
the fifth oldest national park in the United States. He was, however, 
well aware of the 17-year battle fought to make its protection a 
reality. The father of Crater Lake, William Gladstone Steel, devoted 
his life to seeing Crater Lake protected and walked these halls of 
Congress to make sure that the majesty of this Oregon jewel was forever 
enshrined. Hard work and perseverance have been at the core of the 
entire storied history of Crater Lake National Park.
  On August 25, 2006, the Crater Lake National Park will open the doors 
to its new Science and Learning Center. Just as William Gladstone Steel 
spent his early years participating in scientific experiments at Crater 
Lake, the Science and Learning Center will provide the public with an 
entry into one of nature's most spectacular laboratories. Scientists, 
teachers, students, artists and the general public alike will benefit 
from this new facility at the park, which will be one of a very few 
National Park Service Learning Centers in the Nation.
  The opening of the Crater Lake Science and Learning Center is the 
culmination of many years of perseverance and hard work from the 
dedicated staff and partners of Crater Lake National Park. 
Specifically, I want to recognize the dedication and ingenuity of 
Crater Lake National Park Superintendent, Charles ``Chuck'' Lundy. 
Chuck has gone above and beyond the call of duty and Oregon is lucky to 
have him at the helm of the Crater Lake ``Phantom Ship.'' During 
Chuck's 8-year tenure at the Park, he has worked in the spirit of 
William Gladstone Steel using his innovative mind to mold the future of 
America's deepest and most pristine lake. The Crater Lake Centennial 
license plate campaign, under Chuck's direction, has given each and 
every Oregonian the ability to express just how special Crater Lake is 
to them and to our State. As of July of 2006, 138,000 license plates 
have been purchased by Oregonians, with the proceeds going directly to 
the new Science and Learning Center.
  Mr. President, I am extremely proud of the successes being exhibited 
by the outstanding team of National Park Service employees at Crater 
Lake National Park. I congratulate them on the opening of the Science 
and Learning Center and wish them all the best as they continue to 
preserve and protect the national park Oregonians love so much.

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