The first of four public forums on whether or not the state of Oregon should ban smoking on all area beaches is set for today in Seaside at 6pm.
In July, the state of Oregon announced that it would begin taking steps toward banning smoking along the 362 miles of beaches along the Pacific Ocean.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department set a ban on smoking at most other state-park property earlier this year.
The other public forums will be held
- Thursday 6/21 at Central Lincoln PUD in Newport, OR.
- 8/26 at Coos Bay Public Library, Coos Bay, OR
- 8/28 at North Mall Office Building, Salem, OR
The results of the public comments will be presented to the Parks and Recreation commission on September 17 with a final recommendation set for November 19 in Astoria, OR.
[liveblog]
UPDATE 11/6: The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has decided not to recommend a rule that would outlaw smoking on all 362 mies of Oregon coast beaches due to public opposition.
The commission still plans to meet on November 19, 2014 and make a final ruling.
