Scatter ashes anywhere you like — but not in California side of Tahoe

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999 | 10:13 a.m.

A new California law that took effect New Year's Day allows cremated remains to be scattered or buried on land, or dumped at sea more than 500 yards from shore.

The law brings California back in line with the rest of country and reverses the state's 13-year-old prohibition on private scattering over land.

The law still prohibits the scattering of ashes from piers and bridges and in lakes and streams - making the California side of Lake Tahoe off limits.

In Nevada, residents are allowed to scatter ashes over any public waterway, which would include Lake Tahoe, according to the Nevada attorney general's office.

Nevada also allows scattering on private property after getting written consent from the property owners. California's new law also requires written consent from property owners and a permit for leaving ashes on public lands.

The bistate Tahoe Regional Planning Agency apparently sees no threat to the lake from cremated remains. The agency has no rules or regulations that deal with the ritual.

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