The places you can scatter a loved one’s ashes, or cremains, are almost unlimited. Depending on local regulations, popular (and legal) places you are able to scatter cremains include:
- Oceans and beaches
- National parks
- Memorial forests
- Scattering gardens in cemeteries
- Private property
Many families choose to scatter cremains because they find it a beautiful ritual that represents a return to nature. It also provides an outdoor place where family can return to feel some connection to their loved one. In some cases, a person has selected a particular location before passing away, some favorite hiking trail or body of water — hopefully after checking local regulations and state laws.
In Nevada, the scattering of cremains is spelled out in NRS 451.700, which states: “Cremated remains may be scattered at sea or over a public waterway, or by air, from individual closed vessels, or scattered in an area of a dedicated cemetery from which there is no means of location or recovery and which is used exclusively for this purpose.”
Nevada residents who wish to scatter cremains near Lake Mead should check the National Park Service Superintendent’s Compendium (§2.62, memorialization). Currently, it states that scattering of cremains is allowed throughout the recreation area, without a permit, as long as the scattering takes place at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility or body of water. Scattering ashes in the waters of Lake Mead is strictly prohibited. Families considering Lake Tahoe should check with their funeral director and look up current statutes, depending on whether they wish to scatter on the Nevada side or California side of the lake.
Oceans and beaches along the Pacific or elsewhere are also popular places for scattering cremains. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that scattering take place at least three nautical miles from shore, and you will need to obtain a permit. Most families hire a boating service to accomplish this, and there are several that specialize in burials at sea.
National parks, too, vary in the permits required or regulations governing scattering of cremains. In Nevada, parks managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) classify scattering of cremains as “casual use” and require no permits to do so. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is managed by the BLM and families can scatter cremains there without a permit (again, if at least 100 yards from roads, trails or developed facilities). Valley of Fire State Park, on the other hand, requires that you first contact the park to obtain instructions and get authorization. Zion National Park, just outside Nevada, requires a permit and a fee. Before you plan a scattering ceremony at any national park, check their website for guidelines.
There are memorial forests throughout California and the Mountain States that offer an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional cemetery by allowing cremains to nourish the forest or, often, a particular designated tree. Placement in a memorial forest typically has a fee, which covers a bio-urn, a marker, and/or the planting of a dedicated tree.
Cemeteries often have scattering gardens, which is a good option for families who wish to scatter ashes in a scenic, nearby spot they can easily visit. Simple Cremation works with all local cemeteries in the Las Vegas Valley and in Reno, and we can help arrange a scattering at the cemetery of your choice.
Scattering on private property is completely legal once you obtain the explicit, written consent of the landowner and as long as it does not violate local zoning or HOA rules. When asking businesses, common sense applies — for example, a private golf course may be open to allowing a scattering, while an amusement park would have very strict rules against it.
For families who wish to have a picturesque area on private land to serve as a resting place, Simple Cremation has access to land in Southern Utah. This region is surrounded by tall mountains and lush with wildflowers. For families who are unable to travel, we can create a customized video showing your loved one’s ashes returning to nature accompanied by a message of your choosing.
Humans have been scattering ashes of their deceased loved ones for millennia, so it’s no wonder this tradition feels like a natural way to say goodbye and gain closure. Wherever you choose to scatter cremains, we are available to assist or advise throughout the process.