Reminders Of Tobacco Ban Being Posted In Lane County Parks

Kanaka Rastamon

This week, signage is going up all over Lane County parks, reminding people of the tobacco ban that went into effect this year.  

Devon Ashbridge is a spokeswoman for the county.  She says park staff will start with some of the most popular parks, like Armitage and Fern Ridge.  As for violations of the ban…

“There are no plans to enforce with fines this year," Ashbridge tells KLCC.  

"Although we will have that option next summer, but that’s really a last resort for us.  We’re really hoping just through education and friendly reminders to get compliance from our park visitors.” 

Lane County Commissioners approved the tobacco ban this winter.  Ashbridge says the rule is to support public health, citing the dangers secondhand smoke presents to others, especially children.

Exemptions to the rule include designated campsites and Native Americans using tobacco for ceremonial or cultural uses. 

Copyright 2017, KLCC.

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Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.