It’s not really the smoke that is the problem, it’s the numerous cigarette butts irresponsibly discarded in the sand by smokers. The Oregon State Parks Association has started a public hearing process on the Coast about a proposal that would ban smoking on the state’s beaches. The first meeting was held Wednesday in Seaside. The second is tonight in Newport. Coos Bay will chip in on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The final hearing takes place in Salem. Persons wishing to comment on proposed rules that would restrict smoking of tobacco products on the ocean shore recreation area will have a chance to make comments in person at four public hearings scheduled from August 20th to August 28th. In addition to comments made at public hearings, written comments will be accepted through regular mail (OPRD Beach Smoking, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301) or by e-mail (oprd.publiccomment@oregon.gov). All hearings begin at 7 p.m. at the locations listed: * 8/20/2014 – Seaside Public Library, 1131 Broadway, Seaside OR; * 8/21/2014 – Central Lincoln PUD, 2129 N Coast Highway, Newport OR; * 8/26/2014 – Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay OR; * 8/28/2014 – North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street NE, Salem OR.
