Be Careful Where You Put Grandma – Can You Spread Ashes in Lake Michigan?

This may be a painful time for you, burying a loved one.

All you want to do is honor their wishes by scattering them in Lake Michigan or anywhere in Michigan.

Before you go scatter your loved one's ashes, do you know if it is legal to scatter ashes in Lake Michigan?

Can You Spread Ashes in Michigan?

Well, yeah!

NOLO says that,

"In Michigan, there are no state laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. Ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Generally, use common sense and refrain from scattering ashes in places where they would be obvious to others."

So clearly, do not scatter ashes on other people's property and you should be in the clear.

Can You Spread Ashes in Lake Michigan?

When it comes to Lake Michigan in particular, there is no real ruling either. You just have to follow the Federal Clean Water Act.

Shoreline Media says,

"The Federal Clean Water Act allows cremated ashes to be scattered three nautical miles from land."

Most harbors in the country have boat services that will take you the proper distance from the shore in order to scatter the ashes.

You cant check out Adeline's Sea Moose if you want to scatter ashes in Lake Michigan.

If you are trying to use lakes and rivers that are inland, you may have a little bit more to do.

"Inland waterways fall under the Federal Clean Water Act and may need a permit from the state agency that manages it. Scattering of ashes on federal lands will likely require a permit and should not be placed on trails or walkways. Private lands will need permission from the landowner unless owned personally. Public lands such as lakes, beaches, dunes, and parks may need a permit from the city, county and or zoning."