Ash Scattering Services

Ash Scattering Jersey Shore, PA

Choosing what to do with a loved one's cremated remains is a significant and very personal decision for families in Jersey Shore and throughout Lycoming County. While some families choose to have the ashes placed in a columbarium niche at a nearby cemetery, others prefer to keep them in a treasured urn on display in their home. A favorite fishing spot along the West Branch Susquehanna River, a serene overlook in the Bald Eagle State Forest, or a cherished family property that contains generations of memories are just a few examples of the places where many families find solace in scattering the ashes.

At Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home, we recognize that the choice of where and how to scatter ashes should be carefully considered. Families in Jersey Shore, Antes Fort, Avis, Oval, Linden, Salladasburg, McElhattan, and Dunnstown can get support, direction, and useful information about Pennsylvania laws from our caring staff.

Several cremation urns of various sizes and designs on a dark shelf, including ones with sunset, landscape, and floral patterns.

Understanding Ash Scattering Regulations

The flexibility cremation offers families when deciding where and how to honor their loved one is one of its benefits. Weeks, months, or even years after the cremation, scattering ceremonies can take place, giving you time to organize a heartfelt memorial that unites loved ones. Although there isn't a specific organization in Pennsylvania that oversees ash scattering, there are some crucial rules and regulations you should be aware of before organizing your ceremony:


  • Private Property Considerations - Getting the owner's written consent is crucial if you intend to scatter ashes on someone else's private property. This guarantees that there are no misunderstandings and safeguards both you and the property owner. In general, you have unrestricted freedom to distribute your own property.
  • Public Parks and Lands - Before holding a ceremony, families must obtain a scattering permit in many public parks, including those in Lycoming County. Although there are usually no formal regulations for uncontrolled public lands—areas without specific management oversight—you should make decisions based on common sense and respect for the environment.
  • Distance from Public Areas - Ash should generally not be dispersed within 100 yards of hiking trails, public roads, or areas with high traffic. In addition to ensuring that your loved one's final resting place is peaceful and undisturbed, this consideration demonstrates respect for other visitors.
  • Proper Disposal of Containers - The temporary urn or cremation container needs to be disposed of separately and sustainably. If you decide to scatter using a biodegradable urn, make sure it satisfies the environmental requirements for the site you have chosen.
  • Inland Waterways - The Clean Water Act governs the dispersal of ashes in Pennsylvania's rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Before dispersing in any inland waterway, such as nearby locations along Pine Creek, the Loyalsock Creek, or the West Branch Susquehanna River, it is best to get in touch with your local city office or environmental agency to learn about any applicable regulations.
  • Ocean Scattering - Federal regulations mandate that families who want to scatter ashes at sea do so at least three nautical miles offshore. No plastic flowers or synthetic materials should be left behind; all flowers, wreaths, and memorial items used during the ceremony must be completely biodegradable. Furthermore, within 30 days of the scattering, written notification must be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency's regional office.

Ash Scattering Techniques

The consistency of cremated remains differs from what many people anticipate. Cremated ashes usually resemble small-grained gravel with some finer particles mixed in, rather than a fine powder. Knowing this enables you to choose the best scattering technique for the site you have selected.

  1. Casting The most traditional scattering method involves releasing the ashes into the wind. Before casting, always check the wind direction to ensure the ashes travel away from you and your gathered family members. One person may scatter all the ashes, or family members can take turns releasing small amounts. This method works well in open spaces, on hilltops, or near bodies of water.
  2. Trenching This technique involves digging a shallow trench or hole at your chosen location, placing the cremated remains (or a biodegradable urn containing the ashes) within, and covering with soil. Trenching creates a specific, identifiable spot where family members can return to remember their loved one. Many families choose this method for private property or family land.
  3. Raking With this approach, the cremated remains are poured onto the surface of the soil and then gently mixed into the earth using a rake or garden tool. This method allows the ashes to become part of the landscape naturally and works particularly well in gardens, meadows, or wooded areas.
  4. Water Scattering For scattering over water, families may pour the ashes directly from the urn or use a special water-soluble urn that dissolves as it sinks. Some families prefer to wade into shallow water, while others scatter from a boat or dock. Always be mindful of wind direction and water currents.

Important Considerations for Specific Locations

Sports Venues and Amusement Parks

Even though scattering ashes at a cherished sports stadium or amusement park where your loved one had joyful moments might seem meaningful, these locations are private property with stringent rules. The majority turn down requests for scattering, and unapproved scattering may lead to police intervention and the removal of the ashes. Prior to making any plans, always get in touch with the venue management.

National and State Parks

Ash scattering ceremonies can take place in lovely, serene locations in Pennsylvania's state parks and neighboring national forests. Scattering is allowed in many parks with management's prior consent. To obtain written authorization and learn about any applicable regulations, get in touch with the park superintendent or chief ranger. You will typically be asked to stay away from trails, populated areas, and places with a lot of tourists.

Cemeteries and Memorial Gardens

Dedicated scattering gardens—calm, well-kept areas created especially for ash scattering—are available at some cemeteries in the Jersey Shore region. Without having to deal with rules for other properties, these places offer a permanent place for remembrance. Our employees can put you in touch with nearby cemeteries that provide this service.

Being Respectful of Others and the Community

Being mindful of others is still crucial, even if you are legally permitted to scatter ashes in a specific area. Pick a time of day when it's less crowded, and pick a location far from where families with kids usually congregate. The final resting place of your loved one should be serene, and your scattering ceremony shouldn't unintentionally disturb other people who are using the same area.


Think about how you would feel if you happened upon someone else's scattering ceremony while taking your family for a stroll. You can pay tribute to your loved one and the larger community by selecting locations and times that are thoughtful.

Meaningful Scattering Locations Near Jersey Shore, PA

There are many lovely places in the greater Lycoming County and Jersey Shore region that might have particular meaning for your family. These kinds of places are well-liked by local families, despite differing permission requirements:


  1. Natural Areas and Forests The Bald Eagle State Forest, Tiadaghton State Forest, and numerous state game lands surround our community, offering serene woodland settings for scattering ceremonies. Mountain overlooks, quiet forest clearings, and scenic vistas provide peaceful backdrops for saying goodbye.
  2. Waterways The West Branch Susquehanna River, Pine Creek, Loyalsock Creek, and numerous smaller streams wind through our region. For loved ones who enjoyed fishing, kayaking, or simply spending time near the water, these locations can provide meaningful settings for scattering.
  3. Family Properties Many families in our community have land that has been passed down through generations—farms, hunting cabins, or family homesteads. Scattering on your own property allows complete privacy and creates a lasting connection between your loved one and a place filled with family memories.
  4. Favorite Personal Locations Perhaps your loved one had a favorite picnic spot, a golf course they played regularly, or a garden they tended with care. Choosing a location based on your loved one's personal interests and favorite places creates a tribute that truly reflects who they were.

Planning a Meaningful Scattering Ceremony

Depending on your family's preferences, a scattering ceremony can be as straightforward or as complex. While some families invite friends and family to join in on readings, prayers, music, or the sharing of memories, others get together in silence with only their immediate family.


At Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home, our staff can assist you in organizing a ceremony that pays tribute to your loved one. If you want a more formal service, we can put you in touch with clergy or celebrants, suggest readings or poems, and provide advice on ceremony structure. We also carry a selection of scattering urns designed specifically for different scattering methods—from biodegradable urns for water scattering to tubes designed for casting.

FAQ

  • Do I need a permit to scatter ashes in Pennsylvania?

    There is no statewide permit requirement in Pennsylvania for scattering ashes on your own private property.  However, depending on where you intend to scatter, different requirements apply.  A scattering permit from the local parks department is frequently required for public parks, including many in Lycoming County.  Usually, prior written consent from park management is required for state and national parks.  You should get the owner's written consent before scattering on someone else's private property.  Under the Clean Water Act, scattering in waterways may need to be reported to environmental agencies.  Our employees can assist you in comprehending the particular needs for the location you have selected.

  • How long after cremation can I scatter the ashes?

    Cremated remains can be scattered at any time.  While some families wait months or even years, many decide to have a scattering ceremony a few weeks after the cremation.  Some families scatter the rest of the ashes and preserve a portion in a keepsake urn for eternity.  One of the benefits of cremation is the freedom to scatter on your own schedule; you can wait until the weather is ideal, until family members can travel to attend, or just until you're emotionally prepared.  When stored correctly, the cremated remains won't deteriorate or change over time.

  • Can I scatter ashes in multiple locations?

    Indeed, it is a common and significant decision for many families to distribute cremated remains among several locations.  It's possible that your loved one had connections to a number of locations, including the town where they raised their family, a favorite vacation spot, and their childhood home.  You can either keep a portion of the ashes in a keepsake urn and scatter the remainder, or you can divide the ashes into portions and scatter them at each significant location.  We provide keepsake urns made especially for families who want to distribute the cremated remains among several family members or places.  Dividing ashes is not prohibited by any laws.

  • What should I do if ashes were scattered without following proper guidelines?

    The situation cannot be reversed if ashes have already been dispersed in a location without the necessary permits or permissions, and enforcement action will typically not be taken after the fact.  However, in order to avoid any potential legal problems and to respect the community and property owners, we strongly advise adhering to the appropriate guidelines for any future scattering.  There's usually no need to worry if you're not sure if a previous scattering was done correctly, but moving forward, our staff can assist you in understanding and adhering to all relevant regulations for any further scattering you may have planned.