Can you scatter the ashes of a loved one on public land in Idaho? Here’s what the law says
When we lose a loved one, we want to do our best to commemorate them in a way that upholds their legacy. It’s a tradition that’s coincided with humans for as long as we have existed.
One method of honoring the dead, cremation, has been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures and societies. Cremation, where the body is incinerated and broken down into basic chemical components, has been a ritual in societies such as the Ancient Greeks and Romans, according to the Cremation Association of America. The early Vikings notably utilized cremation as a burial ritual, according to the website Live Science.
We may not be the Ancient Greeks or Vikings, but cremating a loved one is still popular for many families to honor their loved ones. Idaho doesn’t have many rules on the cremation and dispersal of ashes, but there are some guidelines.
Here’s what to know about scattering ashes:
Can you scatter ashes in Idaho?
You can scatter the ashes of a loved one in many different areas in Idaho. Ashes can be left in a cemetery plot, held by a family member or scattered on private property, according to the Cremation Society of Idaho.
However, anyone who wishes to spread human ashes on land owned by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation must gain pre-approval from a park or program manager, according to Chapter 26 of the Idaho Administrative Code. Scattering ashes in a body of water within a state park is strictly forbidden.
Not sure where to scatter ashes? The Idaho Senior Independent recommends considering locations that were important to your loved one. These might include:
A national park
A favorite fishing spot
Camping area
At the beach
You should also check with your local county for any ordinances regarding scattering of ashes in public spaces, such as a park. Neither Ada nor Canyon Counties have specific laws on scattering ashes within county boundaries.
Otherwise, ashes can be scattered on any private property at the owner’s discretion.
How to legally scatter ashes in Idaho
Both Ada and Canyon Counties have private cremation services, but both counties also offer cremation services. You can apply for assistance on both the Ada and Canyon County websites.
In The Light Urns, an urn manufacturing company, breaks down different ways you can spread the cremated remains of a loved one in Idaho:
Casting
Casting is the method that many people think of when scattering ashes — tossing the ashes into the air and letting them blow away. The best approach is to throw the ashes in the direction of the wind and make sure nobody is standing downwind. Some ash may fall to your feet, which is normal.
Trenching
This method involves digging a trench around a foot deep, tossing the ashes in the opening then burying it with soil. Many families opt to dig the trench in a specific shape, such as the deceased initials or a heart. If you place a marker, ensure it’s made of heavy material so it won’t blow away.
Raking
This memorial involves placing cremations on soft soil and then raking it into the ground. The air helps break down the ashes faster into the soil. Raking is used by families who wish for the ashes to contribute to the environment by providing nutrients for flowers and other plants to grow.
Water scattering
Tossing ashes over a body of water is popular as it historically is seen as a symbolic representation of the spirit being carried away from the physical body, according to In The Light Urns.
Some remains may instantly sink, while others may float on or slightly below the surface for some time. Remember that scattering ashes in a body of water in a state park is not allowed, and check with your local county before scattering ashes into any other body of water if it is permitted.
