Ash Scattering Services

After choosing cremation for a loved one, families have to make a big choice about what to do with the ashes. You can keep the ashes in a beautiful urn in your home, put them in a columbarium niche at a local cemetery, or scatter them in a place that is special to your family and honors your loved one's memory.

Understanding Ash Scattering Regulations

Families have time to think about where and how to scatter their loved one's ashes when they are cremated. No one agency is in charge of keeping an eye on scattering activities, but there are some important rules and guidelines you should know before you start:

• Private Property: When planning to scatter ashes on privately owned land, it's advisable to obtain written permission from the property owner to avoid any future complications.
• Public Parks: Most public parks require families to secure a scattering permit before conducting a ceremony.
• Uncontrolled Public Lands: Generally, there are no formal regulations governing ash scattering on uncontrolled public lands; however, exercising good judgment and discretion is essential.
• Distance from Roads and Trails: Ashes should not be scattered within 100 yards of public roads or heavily trafficked trails out of respect for other visitors.
• Cremation Container Disposal: The cremation container must be disposed of separately and in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Inland Waterways: Scattering ashes in rivers, lakes, and other inland waters falls under the Clean Water Act, making it important to obtain proper permits from the agency that governs those waterways.
• Ocean Scattering: Sea scattering must occur at a minimum distance of three nautical miles from the coastline.
• Biodegradable Materials Only: Any flowers, wreaths, or decorative items used during a sea scattering ceremony must be fully biodegradable. Plastic flowers and other non-decomposable materials should never be left behind.
• EPA Notification: For ash scattering conducted at sea, the Environmental Protection Agency requires written notification to the regional office within 30 days following the ceremony.

Ash Scattering Techniques in Pennsylvania

The ashes left over from cremation don't look like regular ashes; they look and feel like fine gravel with some powder mixed in. Because of this, you should always check the wind direction before scattering ashes in the air or over water to make sure they spread as planned.

Trenching Method

To use this method, you need to dig a shallow trench where you want to. Put the ashes in the trench along with the biodegradable urn, then carefully cover them with dirt to make a permanent resting place.

Raking Technique

With this method, spread the ashes over the soil and then use a rake to gently mix them in, letting them blend in with the earth on their own.

We also encourage you to look through our selection of unique scattering urns to make your ceremony even better. Please call our caring staff at 814-274-8888 if you need help planning a meaningful and memorable scattering ceremony.

Important Ash Scattering Guidelines

Obtaining Permission for Private Property

You don't need any extra permission if you own the private property where you want to scatter. But you need permission before you can go on land that belongs to someone else or a group. Before you hold your scattering ceremony, always get written permission from the property owner that is signed and dated. This will help you avoid any legal problems.

Sports Venues & Amusement Parks

Even though thousands of people visit sports stadiums and amusement parks every year, it's important to remember that these are private places, not public ones. You can ask to scatter ashes at these places, but most of the time, these requests are turned down. If someone scatters ashes without permission at these places, the authorities will usually be called and the ashes will be taken away.

Public Spaces and Local Parks

Families need to get an official scattering permit before they can go to many public places, like city parks. Families should still use their best judgment and common sense when they are on public land that is not regulated. No matter what the situation is, you should never scatter ashes within 100 yards of public trails, roads, or other busy places.

Scattering Ashes in National Parks

National Parks are beautiful places in nature and can also be very meaningful places to scatter ashes. A lot of National Parks do allow scattering ceremonies, but there are usually rules and conditions that must be followed. Always get in touch with the chief park ranger directly, get written permission, and make sure you fully understand any special rules. Like other rules for public spaces, stay away from trails and developed areas that get a lot of visitors.

National Parks Guidelines >

Scattering Ashes in Bodies of Water

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that scattering cremated remains at sea or over ocean waters is okay as long as certain rules are followed. The ceremony for scattering must take place from a boat or plane that is at least 3 nautical miles from shore. You also have to let the EPA know in writing within 30 days of finishing the scattering.

The federal rules above don't apply to scattering ashes over rivers, ponds, and lakes that are not on the coast. We will work with your local environmental agency, mortuary board, or city hall to help you understand the rules and laws that apply to each body of water in our area.

Being Respectful of Others in the Community

Even if you are legally allowed to scatter ashes in a spot, please be mindful and considerate of others. Avoid any location that receives heavy foot traffic. Think of your own family. You would not want to be out walking with your family only to discover someone’s ashes. Spread the ashes in a place where they can lie and rest in peace.

See our ocean scattering services >

Where should I scatter Ashes in the Coudersport, PA Area?

One of the best things about cremation is that it gives families enough time to carefully think about where and how to scatter their loved one's ashes. A lot of families choose a place that brings back happy memories of their loved one or that they enjoyed and found peace. Scenic parks, peaceful beaches, mountain views, favorite family vacation spots, and calm waterways are all popular places to scatter ashes.

We suggest that you pick a place that was important to your loved one, like a place where you made memories together or a place that makes you think of them. You should take your time with this important choice and not rush it. But before you pick a place, make sure that scattering ashes is legal there to avoid any problems.

Call Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home at 814-274-8888 for personalized help with ash scattering services and memorial options. Our caring staff is here to help you make a meaningful tribute.