It was just last November that the Lane County (Ore.) Commissioners rejected a proposed parks smoking ban out of concern for the 240 campgrounds it would have applied to, and the related enforcement challenges. The group promised to revisit the matter in early 2017, and today they found a way to deal with the campground concerns.
To appease those who had opposed the original bill, the commissioners agreed to allow county campgrounds to designate campsites where smoking will be allowed. Additionally, tobacco use in traditional Native American rituals is exempted from the ban.
The proposal passed 4-1, according to a report from the Register-Guard. While it technically goes into effect in 30 days, enforcement will not begin until July 2018 to allow for a time of informing the public as well as installing signs throughout the affected areas.
Lane County is located in western Oregon and has a population of just over 356,000 people. It includes the city of Eugene, home to the University of Oregon.