When it comes to spreading your loved one’s ashes, there’s nothing more sacred than honoring their last wishes. That does come at a cost in some places, however, because many states, beaches, and national parks have strict guidelines concerning ash spreading. This is something everyone should consider if they’re thinking about cremation.
California Ash Spreading Requirements
The state of California prohibits cremation ash spreading on the beach. Individuals are able to scatter cremains five hundred yards from shore, however. Many states don’t hold strict enforcement of ash spreading but that doesn’t mean it’s legal. Be mindful of others when honoring your loved one.
Put yourself in another person’s shoes. Even if you’re comfortable with the idea of cremation and ash spreading, would you want to walk across cremains at the beach? Many people find that disrespectful and would feel uncomfortable enjoying their day knowing they had done something to hurt the memory of another.
Grand Canyon Permits
The Grand Canyon and other national parks require a permit for ash scattering. The chief park ranger must explicitly permit it to happen as well. During the cremation process, cremation ashes must be pulverized and widely distributed. National park rules prohibit ash spreading near roads, developed areas, and bodies of water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows ash spreading at sea but only if it’s done three nautical miles from shore. Biodegradable objects relating to cremation are okay. Urns and pet ashes, however, are not. Scatterings must be reported to the regional administrator of the EPA within thirty days.
Ash spreading on private land requires permission from an owner and places such as Central Park and Disneyland are not open to cremation spreading. Cremains scattered by airplane is okay as long as the ashes doesn’t pose a threat to people or property. Spreading ashes by bodies of water is a no-no for almost every state.
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