Land Allotted on Anchorage Hillside for Natural Burial Cemetery
A view of the mountains from the proposed natural burial cemetery on Golden View Drive.
Photo Credit: Municipality of Anchorage
The first natural burial cemetery in Anchorage has a home. Last week, the Anchorage Assembly approved AO 2026-72, an ordinance to transfer Parcel 2-156 on Golden View Drive from the city’s Heritage Land Bank (HLB) to the nonprofit organization Alaska Natural Burial. The cemetery is intended for bodies laid to rest without embalming or non-biodegradable materials, where graves no more than 4 feet deep enable nutrients to return to the soil.
Dust to Dust
“For people who are not interested in cremation, there are very few burial options left in Anchorage unless they already have access to a privately held cemetery plot,” says Assembly Member Zac Johnson, who represents District 6 in South Anchorage where the cemetery will be located. The 9.6 acres is uphill from the southern tip of Potter Marsh.
In 2024, voters rejected a municipal bond proposal to fund the creation of two new cemeteries, so city officials sought alternatives. Johnson says, “After the cemetery bond failed, we needed to explore other solutions. This project expands choices for families while preserving the natural character of the area and meeting an important community need.”
Current Issue
June 2026
HLB issued a competitive request for proposals for cemetery development on the site, and Alaska Natural Burial was selected to advance the project.
“The Assembly’s approval of AO 2026-72 marks a significant milestone and affirms all the work we’ve done so far,” says Rachel Bernhardt, board president of Alaska Natural Burial. “With much still ahead, I’m eager to bring our vision into focus for the rest of the community and fulfil our commitment to establishing Alaska’s first certified Conservation Burial Ground.”
Bernhardt is the proprietor of Flameless Cremation, which disposes of pets using caustic solution. She also participates in “Death Cafés,” monthly talks at the library to challenge taboos around end-of-life issues and explore burial options.
The authorization from the Assembly came after a June 5 work session when HLB staff outlined reasons for recommending the natural burial cemetery. Anchorage currently operates a single municipal cemetery, Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, which has long faced concerns about limited capacity. The ordinance allows the property to be conveyed for less than fair market value based on the project’s public benefits and community need.
Alaska Natural Burial will be responsible for development, operation, and long-term maintenance of the property. Conditions include requirements for wildlife mitigation planning, proof of project funding, establishment of a perpetual maintenance fund, coordination with the city on trail connections, and deed restrictions limiting future use of the property to recreation and natural burial purposes.
Municipal staff concluded that the project was compatible with surrounding parklands and will help address Anchorage’s growing need for additional burial space.
