[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4] [Senate] [Pages 5339-5340] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO JACK AND JAN McGOWAN Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I highlight the importance of acknowledging and celebrating extraordinary efforts by ordinary Americans who have led the way in protecting and preserving America's natural resources. I am honored to congratulate two inspiring ``natural resource heroes'' in my State of Oregon, Jack and Jan McGowan. Jack and Jan McGowan have served as the executive director and associate director respectively of an organization called SOLV, which stands for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism. Jack and Jan's 18-year career with SOLV has seen many changes to the organization. Founded in 1969 by Oregon Governor Tom McCall, SOLV has focused on bringing together government agencies, businesses and Oregon citizens to work together on programs and projects that were meant to enhance the livability of our State. When Jack and Jan assumed leadership of SOLV in 1990, they worked out of their home and operated a very small organization of volunteers. Today, SOLV is the largest volunteer non- profit agency in the [[Page 5340]] Northwest and has provided inspiration to similar organizations around the country and the world. Oregonians pride themselves in doing their part to protect and conserve the State's treasures and natural resources. The first beach cleanup in the United States was held in Oregon in 1984. Since then, annual beach cleanups now occur all along the west and east coasts of our country and in over 100 countries around the world. Just last month, SOLV organized Oregon's 24th annual spring beach cleanup. All 362 miles of Oregon's coastline were canvassed by almost 4,000 volunteers who accumulated over 110,000 pounds of trash. As a young Boy Scout, I was taught that one's duty was to respect and protect the world around you. I believe that we have a responsibility to encourage efforts in conserving our natural resources by responsibly using them, not abusing them. Jack and Jan McGowan have made major contributions to a proud Oregon pioneering spirit of innovation and conservation. What they have given back to their community is invaluable, for they have taught us that everyone doing their small part can achieve huge successes. I wish Jack and Jan well as they pursue future endeavors in their retirement. ____________________