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When people think of scattering ashes, they often think of places where they have found peace and solitude, so they can mix the cremation ashes with their good memories. Many have experienced these feelings in areas like our beloved parks and forests.
However, there are many questions about cremation guidelines and laws for scattering ashes. Rules for scattering ashes may vary depending on the area you are considering; there are no standard rules that apply to all areas. However, to provide some guidance, let’s take an example. In Minnesota, many have found peaceful memories in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), an area consisting of more than one million acres of wildlife in the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. If you would like to spread ashes in this area, you should consider the following guidelines:
- Consider the effects of wind spreading the ashes: When you are spreading ashes, an important force to consider is the wind. Wind can radically change your entire cremation ashes scattering plan. Therefore, try to schedule your cremation ceremony when there is less wind; try to scatter ashes in a place sheltered from the wind; and think about doing a little test before proceeding with the scattering of the ashes.
- Research area-specific ash scattering rules: Each zone has its specific rules. For example, Boundary Waters is a quiet and peaceful area due to the rule that motorized and mechanized equipment is not allowed in a large percentage of the area. Therefore, if you plan to scatter ashes at the BWCA, this rule would apply to you. Therefore, you cannot spread ash from aircraft flying below 4,000 feet or from equipment such as sailboats, powerboats, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
- Do not throw ashes in a way that affects others: The location of the cremation ceremony is important. For example, in boundary waters, you don’t want to spread ashes near campsites, campsites, or portages, as there is a high probability that visitors will use the water in these areas for drinking, cooking, and swimming.
- Observe the privacy of others when performing your cremation ceremony: Find a place where you can keep the cremation ceremony private. People go to outdoor areas like Boundary Waters to commune with nature, and the words and actions of a cremation ceremony could detract from the wilderness experience.
- Be kind to our wildlife and fish when you spread ashes: Be careful not to dump large amounts of cremation ashes in wet, marshy, or swampy areas. Fish and wildlife could be negatively affected by this.
- Keep in mind the main principles of the area when scattering ashes: Notice what the area emphasizes and make every effort to integrate the cremation ceremony with these principles. For example, an important Boundary Waters principle is Leave No Trace, a good guideline for all public areas. Towards this:
- Make sure the cremation ashes do not contain large items, such as bones or metal.
- Make sure you have not left any visible mounds of cremated ashes; be sure to spread the ashes well.
- And while there’s a high chance you’ll be tempted to leave markers, headstones, or other devices to commemorate the loss of your loved one, don’t leave any artifacts behind—let nature mark the area for you.
- Research the specific cremation laws and guidelines for the area you are considering:
For specific cremation laws and regulations regarding the distribution of ashes, you will need to contact the authorities in the area you have in mind. For the BWCA, you will need a special permit, as well as knowledge of additional guidelines and regulations. Contact information for the BWCA can be found at scattered ashes Minnesota cremation site menu area listed in the resource box.
My best wishes to you as you go through this: it is never easy. However, perhaps the solitude of scattering ashes in the areas that are special to you can help bring peace to all.