10/24/2023
The Revised Regulations for Forest Lawn Cemetery of Dexter, Inc are included here. We hope these help our members and others understand what we are trying doing to restore the cemetery to improve the image for the community. Most of the rules have been in effect for many years, they just haven't been followed or enforced. Although mostly meant for those who own plots in the cemetery, some rules are for those who use it for exercise of themselves or their dogs.
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING
FOREST LAWN CEMETERY OF DEXTER, INC.
--Adopted by Board of Trustees on October 20, 2023--
The FLC Association’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the care and maintenance of the cemetery in accordance with Michigan laws and regulations and the association’s Bylaws. The board’s primary goal is to maintain and develop the cemetery as a peaceful and dignified area to serve as a reverent symbol for the dead and a valuable link to the community’s heritage.
The Cemetery expressly reserves the right – at any time and without notice – to adopt new rules and regulations or to amend, modify, or repeal any part of these rules and regulations. All graves are subject to the rules and regulations adopted by the Cemetery Trustees.
A. General Rules
1. Hours:Sunrise to sunset
2. Dogs: All dogs are to be on a leash (per city ordinance). Please pick up after your dog
3. Waste: Please place all waste items in the large green trash container at the East entranceof the Cemetery. This includes dog waste in bags.
4. Prohibited: No glass containers may be placed in the cemetery. No trees or shrubs may beplaced in the cemetery.
B. Traditional Burials and Cremations
Allowed in available grave sites in most areas of the cemetery with some exceptions. Gravesites available may be purchased for current or future needs. A cremation may be added to a previous traditional or cremation burial. The Sexton will do grade leveling of new burials at the
appropriate time.
1. GraveMarkers
a. All grave markers must be approved by Forest Lawn Cemetery prior to installation. The Sexton determines the placement of all markers.
b. Type/Size:various,size based on number of graves
c. Material: bronze, masonry or stone construction only
d. Foundations: Sexton will install all foundations
2. Secondary markers - used to identify a cremation added to the grave for a person not on the primary marker, or as an additional marker for a veteran.
a. Type: restricted to flat 2’ x 1’ x 4” markers installed flush
b.Material: masonry or stone construction only; see Sexton for military options
c. Foundations: Sexton will install all foundations
3. Flowers and Other Decorations
a. Grave borders are prohibited. No decorations, rocks or other items are to be used to create a border on a grave.
b. All flowers or plants shall be limited to annuals placed as close to the marker as possible.
All urns, pots and hanging baskets filled by individuals shall be the responsibility of the individual.
c. The Sexton shall remove items that interfere with mowing or trimming without notice.
d. Time Limits: All winter grave decorations are to be removed by March 31st. Grave blankets are no longer allowed as they frequently kill the grass. All summer flowers, pots, hanging baskets, shepherds hooks and urns are to be removed by October 15th. After these dates, if not removed, the items will be considered abandoned and will be removed by the Sexton.
Forest Lawn is a hybrid cemetery. We are a conventional cemetery that offers the essential
aspect of natural burial in a designated section.
All dogs are to be on a leash (per city ordinance). Please pick up after your dog.
Waste: Please place all waste items in the large green trash container at the East entrance
of the Cemetery. This includes dog waste in bags.
No glass containers may be placed in the cemetery. No trees or shrubs may be
placed in the cemetery.
Traditional Burials and Cremations
Allowed in available grave sites in most areas of the cemetery with some exceptions. Grave sites available may be purchased for current or future needs.
C. Natural Burials
Allowed in the designated “natural burial section”. In this section we practice sequential burial, where families purchase the right to be buried, not a specific plot itself.
• A fabric burial shroud or a cardboard box made of natural, biodegradable materials is to be used. Bodies may be buried with only biodegradable memorabilia (no watches, eyeglasses, etc.).
• Families are encouraged to participate in the closing of the grave
• A cremation may be added to a previous natural burial if the ashes are contained within approximate biodegradable material.
• The Sexton will do grade leveling of new burials at the appropriate time.
1. GraveMarkers
a. All grave markers must be approved by Forest Lawn Cemetery prior to installation. The Sexton determines the placement of all markers.
b. Type/Size: restricted in this section to a granite 2’x1’x6-8”beveled in Barre Gray; option to select no marker. Veterans have the option of a flat granite military marker.
c. Sexton will install or oversee installation of marker with appropriate foundation.
2. Secondary markers - used to identify a cremation added to the grave for a person not on the primary marker; or as an additional marker for a veteran.
a. Type: restricted to flat 2’x1’x4” markers installed flush
b. Material: masonry or stone construction only; see Sexton for military options
c. Sexton will install or oversee installation of marker with appropriate foundation
3. Flowers and Other Decorations
a. Grave borders are prohibited. No decorations, rocks or other items are to be used to create a border on a grave. Sexton may use rocks as temporary grave site markers in the natural burial section.
b. Decorations, if desired, are limited to annual flowers/plants located in front or behind the grave marker in an area defined as six (6) inches in depth and the width of the marker (includes temporary markers following the burial). Flowers/plants shall not encircle the marker. Vases or other non-biodegradable containers are not permitted.
c. In the absence of a permanent grave marker after site leveling, no decorations are allowed.
d. No additional plantings or other decorations are to be added to the gravesite which will be maintained by the Sexton as determined by the Cemetery for this area.
e. The Sexton shall remove items that interfere with mowing or trimming without notice.
Adopted by Board of Trustees on October 20, 2023
Forest Lawn Cemetery - 8095 Grand Street Dexter MI 48130 - [email protected]
