SMOKING BAN IN OREGON STATE PARKS HEARINGS THIS WEEK

Oregon Parks and Recreation is holding meetings this week to take public comment on plans to ban outdoor smoking at state parks. Under the new rules, smoking would be prohibited on hiking trails, picnic areas, waysides and common areas of state campgrounds. People could still smoke in their cars, RVs or tents. 
 
Public hearings will take place today (Jan. 9) at the Champoeg State Heritage Area, Visitor Center, 8239 Champoeg Road N.E., St. Paul, Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Bend Park and Recreation Office, Riverbend Room, 799 S.W. Columbia Street, Bend
and Thursday, Jan. 16, Newport Recreation Center, 225 Avery St S.E., Newport

All public hearings begin at 7 p.m. Written comments may also be e-mailed to oprd.publiccomment@state.or.us  or mailed to  Richard Walkoski, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 725 Summer St. N.E., Suite C, Salem, OR, 97301.