Are There Rules About Where You Can Scatter Ashes?
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If you have a loved one who wished for their ashes to be scattered in a particular place, you may be wondering what kind of rules or regulations there are before you go there. It is not always permitted to scatter ashes in certain locations, and depending on where you want to go, you may have to contact someone to find out what is allowed. After seeking cremation services near Dale City, VA, you can ask for guidance on where you can scatter your loved one’s ashes. Here are some basic guidelines that you can follow to be sure that you aren’t breaking any laws or regulations.
Lakes, Rivers, Ponds, and the Ocean
If your loved one wanted to be scattered in a body of water or waterway, you will need to contact local authorities to find out when and where it is allowed. You may want to get in touch with the DNR, for instance, to find out what is permitted in your area. If you want to scatter their ashes in the ocean, this is always a legal action to take. However, you must travel at least three nautical miles away from shore before scattering.
Private Property
Scattering ashes on your own land is always allowed, as you may have guessed. If you wish to spread them on someone else’s private property, and it is someone that you know, all you need to do is seek their permission beforehand. If it is a larger location, such as a stadium, amusement park, or something similar, you will need to get in touch with someone in charge of that venue. They may have regulations about where or when it is permitted to scatter ashes there, or they may not allow it at all. It’s important to find out the rules before committing to scattering ashes on someone else’s private property.
Public Parks, Beaches, etc.
Your course of action here will be similar to the rivers and lakes. You will need to get in contact with local authorities to find out where and when it is permitted to scatter ashes in a public place. Some localities may only allow it in areas that receive less foot-traffic, or they may only permit it on certain days. You must find out the local regulations before scattering ashes on public property. As a side note, when it comes to national parks, it is generally permitted to scatter ashes there. However, there are certain areas where it is expressly forbidden, so you must still ask the authorities at the park where you can go.
Scattering ashes is a wonderful way to bring a loved one back to a place that held meaning for them. It can provide a special way for family and friends to say a final goodbye. Find out if your loved one who sought cremation services near Dale City, VA, wished for their ashes to be spread. Then, you can feel at peace knowing that their remains have been returned to a place that they loved in life.
