In June the month of June, the Colorado Avalanche hockey fan learned through experience that it’s not possible to sprinkle cremation ashes anywhere you like.
Ryan Clark, a loyal supporter of the NHL team, passed away longest-running best buddy Kyle Stark last December. Stark loved his friend’s enthusiasm in the team and for the Avs and Clark considered it an appropriate memorial to leave a small bags of the friend’s funeral remains onto the ice at the rink.
An official spotted Clark standing over the glass, spreading remains of the deceased on the ice prior to the game. He asked him why he was there. After Clark said this was the remainder of an old person and the usher reported the situation to the management. Following the game, Clark received a notice warning him that he will be exempt from any Avalanche games until the end period of season.
Do’s and Don’ts when spreading cremains
A lot of people make it a part of their will that they wish their cremation ashes, also known as their “cremains” will be scattered at a specific location that was significant to them throughout their the course of their lives. If no specifics are given that a family has to follow, it is up to the family members to take the decision on their own.
No matter what whatever the situation, it’s important to be aware of the fact that rules and laws could be in play.
One of the first questions to be asked is whether the destination you choose is private or public. Hockey arenas, even though often visited by thousands it is still a private place. It’s the same for music venues as the Metropolitan Opera in which fans threw cremation ashes in the pit of the orchestra in the year 2016.
Naturally, the majority of locations for cremains are outside however, you’ll still have be aware of certain requirements prior to dispersing the cremains. If the land is private make sure you ask the landowner for permission. If you’re on public property You may also need for approval make sure you don’t scatter the ashes on a place where other people might use the land.
Every state has its specific laws regarding the scattering of cremains. A few states, for instance Minnesota do not have rules regarding scattering the ashes over the public land or in waters. California is, on the contrary on the other hand, has several limitations regarding this practice. California’s Golden State says it is permissible to scatter ashes over private property. However, it is required that owners give permission in writing. Ashes may be scattered over public land but only with written consent of the local authorities.
Federal Lands and the Open Sea
If you plan to scatter cremains on land that is federal for example, an national park, then you need an authorization from the government agency responsible for the area. National park websites can provide guidelines on how to spread cremation the ashes. Yellowstone National Park, for instance, offers links to the application form for permits, and states ceremonies must have to be “small private” events that should be kept out of zones that have a lot of visitors.
The beaches are the most popular places to scatter cremation ashes. But be aware that a lot of states won’t let you make use of their beaches for this reason.
The ocean also is a sought-after location that needs a permit. The agency that handles it is called the Environmental Protection Agency and the laws that govern burials cover every burial at seawhich includes non-cremated human remains. The regulations for burials at sea are:
- Burials should be no less than 3 nautical miles away from the the shoreline.
- Urns with ashes inside or flowers are able to be put into water. However, they should be biodegradable.
- Cremains for pets are usually not permitted without a specific authorization.
‘Cremation Gardens’
If it’s in the dry or water-based land the idea of spreading cremains could seem like a more legal issue than you initially thought. Another option to cut through hassles, however you can use cemeteries for “cremation gardens” they are increasing in popularity and do not need any permits.
Remember that the person you loved had a passion for the opera house or a hockey field house, the notion that they would spread their remains is something to eliminate away from your head.