The state is now considering snuffing out or limiting smoking at state parks. The idea of restricting or banning cigarette smoking would be tested at a couple of parks before any change is made statewide.
Complaints about second hand smoke and discarded cigarette butts are causing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to put the idea on the table.
Locally, discarded butts are a big problem at Presque Isle State Park. Workers and volunteers pick up as many as possible. But the litter still causes headaches.
Park Manager Harry Leslie said, "It really is a problem in a public place. Whether you are in a playground or in the park, particularly on the beaches when you lay down your blankets, you have your kids digging, and the next thing you have cigarette butts that are around."
It's not clear when the state might decide whether or not to begin testing smoking restrictions or a ban.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
