A nonprofit organization is working to establish Alaska’s first certified conservation burial ground on a vacant parcel along Goldenview Drive.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A nonprofit organization is working to establish Alaska’s first certified conservation burial ground on a vacant parcel along Goldenview Drive. Alaska Natural Burial, a nonprofit that promotes environmentally focused burials, is awaiting Anchorage Assembly approval on a land transfer from Heritage Land Bank.
“We are hoping to establish Alaska’s first certified conservation burial ground on this parcel here in Anchorage,” said Rachel Bernhardt, board president of Alaska Natural Burial. A natural burial uses only biodegradable materials, whether in a casket or shroud, and features smaller grave markers, if any at all. The organization aims to preserve the natural landscape, including trees, brush and rocks.
One of the only alterations, Bernhardt said, would be widening the path used to access the cemetery, as well as a parking lot for visitors.
“If you’re not aware of it, not looking for it, ideally, you wouldn’t know that you were in a cemetery,” Bernhardt said. “You got a nice breeze, you can hear kids playing at the park. You can hear airplanes, small planes. You can hear the train.
And it’s just gorgeous. You can see in every direction,” Bernhardt said. Bernhardt said concerns about environmental impact have not materialized in other Alaska communities practicing natural burial.
“I can say that it’s not been an issue for the rural communities around Alaska that are doing that. It’s not been an issue in South Central Alaska where there are cemeteries on the peninsula, for example, that do practice natural burial,” she said. The proposal has generated questions, and interest, Bernhardt said, as the organization works through the approval process, but she said she’s “optimistic” about the future.
“Cemeteries can be a place where you want to bring your kids, bring a field trip, come do bird watching, come sit and paint a picture, you know, come have a picnic with your family. But all of those things can, can be happening in the same place where we are interring people that we love forever,” Bernhardt said. The Anchorage Assembly could approve the land transfer as soon as Tuesday’s Assembly meeting.
Once approved, the nonprofit would begin fundraising and developing the site. Driver involved in deadly late night Anchorage crash charged with manslaughterAnchorage might get a new cemeteryAOTW: Two years, two major injuries, one unforgettable season for Dimond footballer
Please follow us on Google to support usNews Conserving Life Alaska News Anchorage News Anchorage Assembly AK Goldenview Drive Goldenview Drive Alaska Natural Burial
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Assembly to consider natural burial project in South AnchorageThe municipality is short on cemetery space. If approved, a land disposal would allow a nonprofit to open up a new cemetery by 2028.
Read more »
1 dead in East Anchorage multi-vehicle crash that partially closed Tudor RoadArriving officers determined that an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup rear-ended a Honda Civic, with other vehicles involved in the collision, police said.
Read more »
33rd Annual Slam'n Salm'n King Derby Brings Anglers to Ship CreekThe 33rd annual Slam'n Salm'n King Derby is underway at Ship Creek near downtown Anchorage, with anglers reporting good early action as king salmon move into the urban waterway. The event continues over the next two weekends and features a mix of local and visiting fishermen targeting Chinook salmon. Notable catches include a 19.45-pound fish by former winner Robert George. The derby highlights both competitive spirit and community gathering, set against the backdrop of Anchorage's iconic landscape.
Read more »
Revised public safety commission proposal gives more sway to Anchorage police and city agenciesThe sponsors of the Anchorage Assembly measure unveiled an amended proposal to resurrect Anchorage’s public safety advisory body that conflicts with public comments in favor of more civilian oversight.
Read more »