In a spirited session at the Oregon Legislature, members of the House Committee on Rules gathered to discuss two significant resolutions that celebrate Oregon's rich history and contributions to marine research. The meeting, held on May 7, 2025, highlighted the centennial anniversaries of both the Multnomah Falls Lodge and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB).

State Representative Jeff Helfrich opened the discussion with a passionate endorsement of Senate Concurrent Resolution 21, which honors the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, this iconic stone lodge has been a symbol of Oregon's natural beauty since its construction in 1925. Helfrich emphasized the lodge's historical significance, noting its transition from city ownership to the U.S. Forest Service and its designation as a National Historic Place in 1980. He reminisced about the lodge's past, where visitors could wake up to the sound of cascading falls and enjoy breakfast on-site, a legacy worth celebrating.

The committee swiftly moved to a work session on SCR 21, with Vice Chair Pham recommending its adoption. The resolution received unanimous support, reflecting a shared appreciation for the lodge's role in Oregon's cultural landscape.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, which recognizes the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology for its century-long commitment to marine research. Senator Anderson, representing the coastal district, urged committee members to visit the institute in Charleston, highlighting its beautiful facilities and the significant contributions it has made to marine science. Craig Young, the institute's director, elaborated on its global impact, including groundbreaking research on marine ecosystems and the establishment of the National Estuarine Reserve System.

Young's testimony underscored the institute's reputation as a leading marine laboratory, attracting students and researchers from around the world. He shared a notable achievement: the discovery that microscopic larvae are transported across oceans in ballast water, a finding that has influenced international marine regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the committee expressed enthusiasm for both resolutions, recognizing their importance in honoring Oregon's heritage and advancing marine research. The unanimous support for SCR 20 mirrored the earlier resolution, reinforcing a collective commitment to celebrating and preserving the state's natural and scientific legacies. With both resolutions set to move forward, the committee left the session with a sense of pride in Oregon's contributions to history and science.