There was a bunch of stories about cremated remains causing issues in this week's news. So I decided to find out where the top spot was in Michigan was for scattering a loved one's remains. It turns out, it's not that far away.

Thanks to a Steve Goodman song, 'A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request', many Cubs fans were scattering their relative's ashes at Wrigley Field during the World Series, causing the club to issue a statement.

And a fan of the New York Metropolitan Opera wanted his ashes to be left in the Orchestra pit. Unfortunately, he didn't clear it with the staff, and it caused the matinee performance of "William Tell" to be cancelled. 

It got me to thinking about the tradition of scattering a loved one's ashes, and where the most popular spot in Michigan was to toss someone's remains in remembrance.

It turns out there is no list of the 'top spots to scatter ashes' in Michigan, but Google search lists show two spots getting more action than others. They are Lake Michigan and The Big House, Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

Scattering ashes in Michigan is legal, however, there are some things you need to know, many of which are coverted in this list from nolo.com:

If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Cremation renders ashes harmless, so there is no public health risk involved in scattering ashes. Use common sense and refrain from scattering ashes in places where they would be obvious to others.

Scattering ashes in an established scattering garden. Many cemeteries provide gardens for scattering ashes. If you’re interested, ask the cemetery for more information.

Scattering ashes on private land. You are allowed to scatter ashes on your own private property. If you want to scatter ashes on someone else’s private land, it’s wise to get permission from the landowner.

Scattering ashes on public land. You may wish to check both city and county regulations and zoning rules before scattering ashes on local public land, such as in a city park. However, many people simply proceed as they wish, letting their best judgment be their guide.

Scattering ashes on federal land. Officially, you should request permission before scattering ashes on federal land. As with local or state land, however, you will probably encounter no resistance if you conduct the scattering ceremony quietly and keep the ashes well away from trails, roads, facilities, and waterways. You can find guidelines for scattering ashes on the websites for some national parks. For more information, begin your search at the website of the National Park Service.

Scattering ashes at sea. The federal Clean Water Act requires that cremated remains be scattered at least three nautical miles from land. If the container will not easily decompose, you must dispose of it separately. The EPA does not permit scattering at beaches or in wading pools by the sea. Finally, you must notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering ashes at sea.

The Clean Water Act also governs scattering in inland waters such as rivers or lakes. For inland water burial, you may be legally required to obtain a permit from the state agency that manages the waterway.

For more information, see Burial of Human Remains at Sea on the EPA website.

Scattering ashes by air. While there are no state laws on the matter, federal aviation laws do prohibit dropping any objects that might harm people or property. The U.S. government does not consider cremains to be hazardous material; all should be well so long as you remove the ashes from their container before scattering.

And I love this idea from us-funerals.com:

Cremation Fireworks
A more contemporary option for ash scattering is to have ashes can be scattered by exploding fireworks. These are special fireworks displays that contain a number of fireworks specially modified to incorporate cremated remains.  A nighttime display of firework scattering might be the perfect memorial and the way to say goodbye.   Restrictions on firework displays will apply. Some areas, such as national parks in the United States, require a scattering permit and probably will prohibit fireworks. Permission should be sought if scattering ashes by fireworks over areas where people gather, such as baseball stadiums. Cremated remains can be scattered by fireworks over private property with the owner's permission. Check with local authorities to ensure that your fireworks display is legal.   Some companies that offer this service also conduct firework displays over the sea.  Prices start in the region of $3,000.

 

As for where I would want my ashes spread upon my death, I always answer the same way: I don't care.

If it makes my girls or my friends feel better by sharing what's left of me with my favorite place, go for it! I won't be needing it at that point.

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