Smokers may not be able to light up at state parks in 2014
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is drawing up rules that could limit smokers to their personal and recreational vehicles.
The department's staff is working on proposals in expectation of getting them adopted by early 2014, the Salem Statesman Journal reported Tuesday.
The general recommendation from the staff is to permit smoking only in personal vehicles and RVs, said Chris Havel, a state parks spokesman.
An order from Gov. John Kitzhaber went into effect this month banning smoking and chewing tobacco along the perimeter of most state offices.
The governor's order gives some agencies, such as the parks department, until next year to write rules. The state Parks and Recreation Commission has to approve rule changes suggested by staffers. To follow the spirit of the governor's order, however, new restrictions on tobacco use at parks are almost a given.
"People can expect that something is going to come of this," Havel said.
The rules would apply to a T-shaped area around the Capitol that the department manages, he said.
"We'd handle that area the same way we handle any other state park," Havel said.
They also would apply to the state fairgrounds, year round and not just during the Oregon State Fair, he said.
Park rangers have the authority to cite visitors who violate the rules, but it's more common for them simply to ask for compliance, Havel said.
Local jurisdictions have also been working to curb smoking in parks. Around Salem, Stayton and Independence have approved smoke-free rules in city parks. In Dallas, the town's largest park has a designated smoking area, and other parks officially are smoke free.
In Salem itself, City Council member Diana Dickey proposed two years ago to make it unlawful to "smoke or carry any burning smoking instrument while in any park." Councilors voted down the ordinance.
"Some of the councilors felt it was a freedom issue," Dickey said. Concerns also were raised about the ability to enforce no-smoking rules.
Information from: Statesman Journal
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
I understand the, Non-Smokers point of view. However I'm a bit confused about the only smoking in RV and Car. I'm the father to a wonderful 19 month old son, whom i take hunting and fishing 3-4 days a week. And I smoke, usually while he runs around playing. Now If i have to go into my RV, or Car. hes not really able to run around by himself, so now I would have to have him in the car/RV with me. Or what zip him closed in a tent by himself. so now to follow one law, I have to break another and endanger my childs welfare.  I'm sure this applies to many  smoking parents.  I smoke, because I enjoy it and the government allows me to have the choice to buy and use tobacco. Â
I suffer astham because of my dads smoking, I am sick and tired of the crap being forced in to my lungs when I walk by, I have to hit up my inahlers every time I pass a smoker...Freaking sucks, cigarettes took away my lung capacity and fracked my up and I didn't smoke the dam Fracking SOBs Screw the tobacco company. I wish they all would go to fracking hell.
I can understand this as most people smoking carelessly throw there buts on the ground . that can cause a fire, a fire can cause a loss of business or home. so, Yeah, I am all for it. besides I want fresh Air, if I want smog I would visit the city.
@lee986321....Then visit the city. When I'm out in the woods smoking by my campfire, I'll be damned to follow your rules or Comrade Kitzhaubers' in my own campsite in any State or federal campground that I, as a taxpayer, am paying to use. Grow up and use a little common sense.
Mikey, it must be aweful to INFRINGE on my right as a smoker....Smoking a cigaretter OR cigar is NO WORST than me smelling like a burned down tree due to someones smoke from their camp fire.
 @Tina Baker What "right to smoke"?! I don't recall seeing that in any constitution....  Your point about the campfire is a good one. Maybe those should be banned too.
I can see the state fair, it's a public event, parks are no big deal, but a camp ground? I can have the smokiest campfire around but I'd be breaking the law if I smoked a cig? does that make any sense? With all the camp fires it sometimes looks like a fog rolled in come "fire lighting time".
Â
Maybe they should regulate the campfire wood? minimum dryness of the wood they sell there? Don't burn pine?
It must be awful to be a drug addict.
Can't smoke a cig but can light a huge campfire....brilliant!
What's next Kitzhauber, banning smoking in our homes and on our property? You are a ding-bat. Maybe you should be anylized by a shrink to see what's wrong with your head.
This is total BS. Kitzhauber, get off your high-horse, you idiot and go after something important like stiffening the penalties for repeat cime offenders like child abusers, rapists, burglars, and murderers.
Y'know, folks, I don't think this is as much about smoking in state parks, as it is that Gov Kitz just l-o-v-e-s to make new laws, either taxing something or banning / restricting it..! Â Â Anything to keep the population stirred up..! Â
Actually, I think it's done just to keep us focused on anything OTHER than what Kitz and the legislature are doing..! Â
:-)
Yeah, well good luck with that. How is the state going to enforce the unenforceable, other than shutting down every state park and campground? Too much area and not enough 'enforcers'. Who thinks up these BS ideas?
Seems every day they are trying to pass rules in Oregon that  take away peoples rights. I have lived here 58 years and Portland itself has gone to hell. It used to be a nice friendly place where people had rights and everybody took care of business. Not much crime back then and parks were cleaner back then. As a kid I used to take my sleeping bag and sleep in the park across the street in the summer. And back then everybody smoked.. I blame all this changing on people from California and other states that come here and try to change our city to suit them. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANKS FOR VISITING BUT PLEASE DON'T STAY...
I disagree with banning smoking in campgrounds.... Or anywhere in the outdoors UNLESS there is a fireban. Ban smoking in buildings and outhouses, yet. But my campsite is my campsite. Just like I'm ALLOWED to have my firearm with me in my campsite, one should be able to smoke. Your telling me its bad for me to light up and for those around me camping to breath it in (Diluted must I say) but its NOT bad for me and those same people to breath in campfire smoke.... Geez... SMH!! I will smoke my cigar in my campsite if I want to. I used to work for Oregon State Parks (Dumb rules like if someone was drowning, all I could do was call 911, Couldnt pet ANY dog including my own, training class on how to use a shovel, ect), and the Rangers RARELY cited people as the state pushes to "warn". Heck, if you didnt pay your fee to enter the day-use area, nothing happened.... Just like smoking. Try to prove it was me, if I see you coming I'll put it out.... :-P
I think it will be nice to go to the parks and not have to look at the butts laying where ever the smokers discarded them. I, for one, am tired of living in the smokers ashtray. It seem that everywhere people go there are butts littering the ground or lake bottoms. Smokers want to claim that they are loosing their freedoms. What about the non smokers rights to not have to look at the smokers butts where ever we go?
 @Freedom1267 Then do your part and pick them up.
More government intrusion into peoples lives. If you start a forest fire because you're an idiot then you should be required to pay to put it out.
 @axpmanÂ
Â
The article doesn't even hint that this legislation has anything to do with preventing fires....Mr. Random Comment. The intent of this law is to further control the behavior of individuals while they are on publicly own land controlled by the state.
Â
The next piece of legislation will include a rider in some Anti-Violence bill that states that anyone on or using "state" property...not Public Lands managed by the State....agrees to a search of their person. This will be presented as a necessary means to combat gun violence, protect State workers...specifically around the Capital Building..., and as a clarification of laws that already exist that allow metal detectors but, in fact, will just be a Trojan Horse argument for the further erosion of citizens Civil Rights.  And....more than likely the stupid people will embrace it as a good public safety measure.
 @Icarus  @axpman Why not? There are already school districts in OR that require police liason officers to not carry their duty sidearms on school property.
Â
It doesn't seem too far a stretch to presume that state properties are next.
Â
(unless, of course, the officers are there specifically dedicated to protecting state elected officials.)Â
@axpman How many smokers can afford to pay for the costs to fight fires?  Don't you think it's better to do all we can to PREVENT the fire in the first place? As for "government intrusion", may as well get use to it. It's one of the prices we pay for a civil society especially as our population density continues to increase.
I don't smoke, it's bad for you (cancer, emphysema, heart disease)Â and I believe in confined spaces for extended periods exposure to the smoke probably has adverse health effects on non-smokers. That being said transient exposure to tabacco smoke in the great outdoors just can't be that big a deal. If King John is so fired up against tobacco my suggestion would be for him to step up and ban all smoking tobacco in Oregon 'cause I'm he sure doesn't want to be complicit in killing people for state profit ( actually not so sure about that). If I was a smoker in Oregon I think I'd engage in a little applied civil disobedience and make sure that I got my smokes where the state wouldn't profit.
The state of Oregon can kiss my behind. Spend $1,000+ to write and enforce a "law" that'll result in a <$100 fine, I dare you, because I'm going to do what I do and you don't have to like it. Was this place always so stupid?
@JGalt Can't kick the habit? Try staying out of our forests. We're tired of picking up your butts anyway.
Actually, I roll my own and all parts quickly degrade. Maybe you should try a better argument. Not that I expect any better from this area. Should we talk about your habits?
That's a good idea. Let's begin with you being an "outdoorsy" type that's also "pro-environment". Isn't that a bit conflicting? Or is it that you're for the environment after you're able to take advantage of it? Considering I haven't cost you a cent in "picking up (my) butts", why don't we talk about the cost of your little "99%" tantrum? That ran into the millions. Instead of creating jobs, it actually put a financial strain on the system. Stay out of my pocket, hypocrite. Have a nice day.
 @JGaltÂ
Â
No I blame Californians who moved here, but you can find you own reason.
Â
Sorry, I forgot that you're all victims here.
 @Repoman  @JGaltÂ
Â
Are not the Californians the root of all social ills both in and out of California? And...after Californians then Austrians. (BTW --- Thats a poke at Arnold and Hitler but not all of Austria because that would just be wrong and silly.)
Â
In Colorado they have a state maxim: the only Colorado pest worse than a Texan is a Californian.
Well they can kiss my rear end if they think I'm going to give up a nice cigar while relaxing around the camp fire, with a nice glass of Scotch in the other hand!
I strongly suggest the state then stop collecting cigarette taxes anymore. If the state keeps defining when and where people can still smoke, including out in the open, then they don't need the taxes that smokers pay. Seems fair to me. But then since only about 20% of the adult population still smokes, wouldn't that make them a minority? How come it's suddenly fair to treat this minority any differently than one based on color, heritage, religion, etc.? Or is taxation without representation nowadays acceptable? It wasn't when the Bill of Rights and Constitution were written by the Founding Fathers.Â
I don't bother with state parks to begin with..
This comment has been deleted
 @Dr. Rawdog Hey, I smoke, but I don't like parks and campgrounds.. I prefer to go out and camp elsewhere.. getting away from the crowds and people. It doesn't bother me to not smoke at <insert wherever here> Cause I'm not going to stay long. I don't leave messes or cig buts around either. Thats what I have a garbage can for. Not that it doesn't amaze me how much garbage people dump out in the woods.. that is disgusting all on its own. So no, this isn't going to bother me or effect me in any way shape or form...  Â
 @margay1    @Dr. Rawdog Its disgusting how some dump their trash.. especially places like Rainbow which is private property and posted please don't leave garbage. Yet its trashed consistently. I keep hoping they will close it down since folks can't pack out what they pack in.. very sad they have to ruin it there like that. Â
Â
We always take the big black bags, one for pop cans, one for trash. :)Â
 @Khre'Riov Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu  @Dr. Rawdog ~   I'm with you on crowded state parks and campgrounds.... I don't like crowds anyway... I love Silver Falls Park, but I haven't been there in pretty close to 20 years... it's beautiful, though...
I never smoked when we were out walking on the trails, though... didn't want to accidentely set anything on fire, and sometimes, if it's been dry, it doesn't take much to do that...Â
We used to take plastic grocery bags with us to put trash in (ours and other stuff that we picked up)... seeing the garbage that people just tossed out on the ground made me angry... like it's just sooooo much trouble just take your trash out with you when you leave..! Â Â
 @Dr. Rawdog  @Khre'Riov Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu Damn liberals trying to control every aspect of our lives.
This is absolutely ridiculous, has everyone lost your minds. This is taking away more of our rights, they have already outlawed smoking in bars. Now they are going for open air! They want to put gun bans back in place that never worked in the first place. Come up solutions to the problem, instead of jumping on someone elseâs bandwagon (The governmentâs solutions) they come up with these solutions based on their own feelings. Do they really know how you want it? Have you written to your representative and told them your ideas to issues? Â
You all are taking about the butts in the park and how bad it is. What about the kids that do not listen or obey the rules that are posted in the parks. I canât tell you how many times I walk to the restrooms only to be damn near run over by kids riding bikes on the pathways. When you say something to them about it, they run to their parents and the parents put on the â Iâll show you whose boss pants.â Â And then come over to your camp site and try to start a fight for telling their kids to obey the rules of the park.
People in todayâs society are pigs! They all do as they please, all the people that are on here bashing smokers should really take a look at your selfâs first and make sure that you are following all the laws and rules to the letter before jumping on band wagons.  People need to be held accountable for their actions no matter how young or old they are. If you see someone do something that is not right say something, grow a pair.
You all can sit here behind a comment board and say what you say but, are you willing to say it in public? Do you stand behind what you type? People have become sheep, itâs time to become leaders and show each other how to act instead of playing follow the leader like a little kid. Kids today do whatever they please because everyone thinks they are too young to learn, they are not. The younger they are taught right from wrong the better the world will be in the years that really count for them.
Everyone wants everything for the children, well then start acting like it and become an example. Teach them that you donât get what you want just because you want it, it has to be earned and that there are consequences to your actions when you do something wrong.
@Ty You took a discussion of smoking areas and turned it into a rant about other people's kids? Not sure what disrespectful whippersnappers have to do with where you can smoke your cigarettes (nothing) but you sure get the grouchy old curmudgeon of the day award!! And based on your second paragraph, I suppose you're looking forward to having someone's kids (the ones that aren't trying to kill you with their bikes) point out when you're smoking where you shouldn't be?
 @badcatÂ
Assume as you wish, my comments were in regards to others on here talking about the kids and how disrespectful smokers are. I do not smoke, I used to! I can't stand the smell of it but, do not stop others from smoking. If I don't like it I move away from where they are smoking. The point I was trying to make and maybe did not do that clearly is, is that everyone needs to respect each other. Regardless of where they are, adults for smoking and not following rules and kids for not following rules and their parents for not making sure they do. That does not happen!
Â
And yes I am curmudgeon but, I am not old. I am just tired of the knee jerk reactions and band wagons that people get on.
Â
As for Ralph, I commend him for teaching his kids right from wrong. That is what is missing in today's world.
 @Ty I proudly stand behind what I say, and teach my kids (and other people's if given the opportunity) the same.  My 4 and 7 year olds are more than happy to point out to adults and other kids when they seem them doing something they shouldn't.  Pointing out the bad habits (not smoking, but irresponsible smoking) of others is hardly "bashing."  Unfortunately, there are many people who, when confronted in a reasonable way about their transgressions, react in an aggressive way, as if their right to be an ass is being infringed upon.  Disagreeing with someone does not make them your enemy.  I disagree with you about your smoking and gun statements, but could have an adult argument with you about it without name calling.  Could you?
 @Ralph Emerson  Good for you and your kids. However . . . I'm not fond of children telling me what I should or should not do. So, please teach your kids that not everyone shares the values and morals that you have taught your children and to stay out of other people's business!
 @Gravity Works! Notice that I said they would do this when the person is doing something they shouldn't, as in breaking a law.  So if someone litters, they'll speak-up.  When an action adversely effects everyone else, it becomes "everyone's business."  Civil society and all that you know.
 @Ralph Emerson  @TyÂ
Yes I could, I do not have a problem with someone disagreeing with me. That is the called agreeing to disagree. Each person is entitled to their opinion. I do not see any name calling in my statement, I see statements of fact.
Cigarettes are not illegal, only smoking them is. Oh by the way, go ahead and light up that weed stick and puff away. Pathetic. We don't have the courage of our convictions, otherwise we would restrict selling them. This sideways approach is shallow and dishonest.
Â
That's my opinion, and I hate cigarettes.
Good. I am sick of inhaling peoples second hand smoke. Such a disgusting habit.Â
@Rae0224 But you will be MORE then happy to breath in equally dangerous campfire smoke???
That it might be Rae, but I dislike drunks driving. I think that's a disgusting and dangerous habit. Yet the state collects taxes on both!
what about all the campers and hikers smoking weed? Its legal now in Washington and I'm really surprised it was defeated in Oregon. No nicotine but thc is fine.....
Smokers are going to smoke wherever they want regardless of the law, that has clearly been established.
Folks are battling fiercely for guns, but they are completely willing to outlaw cigarettes in a PUBLIC space OUTDOORS. No sense!!!!! Total imbalance of common sense in this world today.