California park's use of human compost draws outcry

"Sharon Weaver, executive director of the trust that oversees Sumner Peck, told the Bee her group believes the practice and the partnership with Earth Funerals is environmentally beneficial. It's very disappointing that they are trying to suggest that we're doing something harmful to the river, she said."

"The soil material is obtained from Earth Funerals, a company that, as an alternative to burial or cremation, converts human remains into what it calls a nutrient-rich soil that is ready to be returned to nature. Families of clients whose bodies are composted can claim some or all of the resulting soil."

"Weaver said the compost has been used since last year in a field that is away from the river and from agricultural areas. At Thursday's press conference, Bredefeld implied the practice runs afoul of Assembly Bill 351, under which natural organic reduction will become legal and regulated in California in 2027."

The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust has drawn controversy for using human compost at Sumner Peck Ranch, a 76-acre public site north of Fresno that hosts school field trips and seasonal u-pick activities. The practice has created conflict with the San Joaquin River Conservancy, a former partner. County officials and conservancy leadership held a press conference to oppose the initiative, with Supervisor Garry Bredefeld claiming it violates regulations and is environmentally harmful, though he did not specify which laws apply. The trust's executive director Sharon Weaver counters that the practice benefits the environment and that the compost is applied in fields away from the river and agricultural areas. The compost comes from Earth Funerals, a company providing natural organic reduction as an alternative to traditional burial or cremation, converting human remains into nutrient-rich soil.

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