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Commission begins consideration of natural burials after inquiry about local rules
Summary
The commission discussed whether natural (green) burials are allowed and the possibility of designating part of Sadawga Cemetery for green burials; commissioners noted a law change requiring 3.5-foot burial depth for natural burials and agreed to research the issue further.
Linda Cardone asked whether natural, or green, burials are permitted in Whitingham cemeteries. Commissioners discussed the option of surveying and designating a portion of Sadawga Cemetery for natural burials. Katherine MacLean shared examples of green burial sites in Brattleboro, Guilford, Marlboro and Halifax and noted a change in the law requiring a 3.5-foot burial depth for natural burials compared with the traditional six-foot depth.
The commission did not adopt a policy at the meeting and instead voted to research the issue further, including regulatory requirements and any necessary local designations or procedures.
