Swimming beaches at Beltzville, Tuscarora, Hickory Run and Tobyhanna will be smoke free this summer.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that DCNR is implementing smoking controls at 16 new swimming beaches with their traditional Memorial Day opening, May 29. The pilot smoke-free program has expanded this year to include 39 of 54 swimming beaches across Pennsylvania.“This expansion is directly in line with the state parks’ primary mission — provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education,” Dunn said. “It was an ongoing bid to gauge the pulse of the public that led our Bureau of State Parks to expand its ‘Smoke-Free Beach’ locations. From the outset of this program in May 2013 beach restrictions consistently have been hailed by visitors forsignificantly improving air quality and reducing cigarette-butt litter.For visitors who smoke and still want to use these beaches, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided.The restriction includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars and the increasingly popular e-cigarettes. Staff at newly affected parks are purchasing and installing buttdisposal unit and establishing designated smoking areas with seating.