SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The state just reinstated a ban on the scattering of human remains on Bear Butte State Park, but there are other options for human ashes.
Still, the rules will vary depending on the location.
Funeral home services generally advise those who want to scatter the ashes of a loved one on federal, state or private property to check with rules. A city may have certain rules, for example.
Julia Schriver of Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium in Aberdeen said most clients who want to scatter ashes have two locations in mind. “If they were farmers or if they had a lot of land,” Schriver said. “A lot of times people want to scatter in a lake. Those are the two biggest locations I’ve seen.”
Technically, it appears that if cremated remains will be buried, even on private property, a permit is required, according a South Dakota Codified Law 34-25-24.
Ashes can still be scattered at South Dakota State Parks.
Jeff Van Meeteren of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) explained at the May 6 legislature’s rules committee meeting that people are required to get a burial permit and then seek permission from the landowner, which would be the GFP.
The rules vary at the National Park sites in South Dakota.
The scattering of cremated remains is allowed at Wind Cave National Park in western South Dakota. There is no fee for the scattering of ashes but a special permit is needed from the NPS at Wind Cave.
Cremated ashes can be scattered at Jewel Cave National Park and a permit is not needed, according to a superintendent’s book on rules posted on the park’s webpage. It shares these details: The scattering of ashes must be done at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility or body of water. Remains can be scattered from the air at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet. They should not be released over developed areas, facilities or bodies of water.
The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited within Mount Rushmore National Memorial and no permits will be issues for this activity.
The U.S. Forest Service does not allow the scattering of human ashes in the Black Hills National Forest, according to FSM2700.
The National Funeral Directors Association said that in 2024, the cremation rate was expected t be 62% while the burial rate was expected at 33%.
Shriver has been at the mortuary and crematorium for about two years.
“Cremation is definitely more popular,” she said.
Deb Holland, the communications director for the city of Sturgis, said the city started a scattered garden in the Bear Butte city cemetery because of the popularity of cremation. Cremation is less costly than traditional burial and many are also choosing to scatter ashes, Holland said.
Sturgis charges $100 to scatter ashes in the new garden. The $100 fee is split into $75 for the scatter space and $25 for perpetual maintenance.
Holland said the city also has a new QR code system so that the names of individuals scattered in the garden are registered.
A city ordinance was changed to allow for the scattering of remains in the new garden, Holland said.
The South Dakota Veterans Cemetery mentions cremation but does not discuss the scattering of remains.
