Scattering Cremated Remains

Permit Application Process

To apply for all types of special use permits, submit an application.

For a permit to scatter cremated remains, fill out the SUP application and mail the original application to:

Fee Manager
Lassen Volcanic National Park
P.O. Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

The $75.00 application fee is waived for scattering cremated remains permits.

For permit information or questions, please contact the fee manager by email or by phone at 530-595-6120.

Policy

Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis up to one year in advance. Please provide the park with as much notice as possible to consider your request. It may be necessary for park staff to contact you for further information while considering your request. If your plans change, notify our office immediately. After the permit is approved we will send you an authorized copy.

The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of the event.

Special Considerations

• It is understood that permission to scatter cremated human remains within Lassen is provided as a service to individuals.

• If the scattering is done by a mortuary or other commercial enterprises, the conditions and restrictions of California Code of Regulations Section 4331 and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 5.3 apply. Mortuaries and other businesses providing this service must request and receive a separate authorization or agreement from the Department of the Interior.

• Cremated remains must be pulverized and scattered. Scattering must result in complete dispersal of ashes so that no obvious piles remain in any one place.

• Cremated remains cannot be deposited within 100 yards of a flowing stream, river, or body of water [Health and Safety Code Section 7117 (c)], or road, or within a developed area.

• Lassen Volcanic NP can make no promise or commitment to treat the area where the scattering occurs as sacred, or as a burial ground. The scattering of cremated human remains will not affect the classification of any unit or portions thereof. All park uses, operations and programs will be continued without regard to the presence of the scattered cremated human remains. The Lassen Volcanic NP will not keep records of who was scattered at a particular location, or the date on which a scattering occurred. If you or members of your family would like to visit the site at a later date, you will have to make and retain your own records.

• Lassen Volcanic National Park permits individuals to scatter cremated human remains, where appropriate. There are numerous and multifaceted conditions under which the scattering of cremated human remains would not be appropriate. These include locations that are archeological sites, Native American burial sites, and locations where incompatible activities occur or may be planned in the future. (These restrictions do not apply to the reburial of Native Americans pursuant to Section 5097.94 of the Public Resources Code or the Native American Graves Repatriation Act.) The appropriateness of scattering of created human remains within Lassen Volcanic is determined by the National Park Superintendent.

• Access for other park visitors must not be impeded. This Special Use Permit is authorization for your event to take place on parklands and does not grant exclusive use.

• Available parking is limited, often crowded, and not guaranteed. Parking spaces may not be reserved or held.

General SUP Policy

The National Park Service will only issue a permit use if the proposed ceremony or event will not:

• cause injury, damage or impairments to park resources;
• be contrary to the park’s purpose for which the park was established and the mission of the NPS;
• unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park; or
• interfere with visitor use, access, and programs
• interfere with park management or administration;
• interfere with concession operations or other public facilities;
• present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.

General Park Policy

Please review the park Superindendent's Compendium for any relevant regulations to your planned ceremony.

Related Park Regulations

• All vehicles entering the park, including those for ceremony participants or guests, must pay applicable park entrance fees (read more about entrance fees).
• Group size for trails at Lassen is limited to a maximum of twenty (20) people.
• Permittee and participates must make the least possible impact to trails and surrounding area.
• The park’s purpose is to protect the resources of the area. Therefore, individuals or groups must remain on paved areas and trails at all times to prevent damage, except when deemed appropriate by park management.
• Pets are not allowed on trails and must be under physical restraint, leashes six feet or less, in permissible areas.