Green Grove Cemetery is owned by the Town of Casco. In the near future, the public will be able to purchase cremation burial plots. (De Busk Photo)

By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — Most people have a tendency to plan for the future. Some settle on plans a week or two in advance; others lay out their long-range visions.

Some people are more apt than others to line up where they would like to be buried after they die.

As indicated by the phone calls received by Casco Town Manager Dave Morton, there are people interested in buying cemetery plots to ensure a final resting spot in the Town of Casco.

People ask about the availability of cemetery plots in Casco, according to Morton.

All of the cemeteries in Casco — with the exception of one — are privately-owned and operated, Morton said. Although, the town does provide mowing services for some of the cemeteries in town.

What the town could offer — and the Casco Board of Selectmen approved — is a selection of plots for a cremation burial, he said.

“The town has its first active cemetery when we accepted from it from the board of trustees,” Morton said.

Green Grove Cemetery is located on Route 11 across from the FairPoint Communications building near the Route 121 intersection.

The terrain has a ledge of rock that would prevent the depth and space required for a full casket burial, Morton said.

“But we have space acceptable for cremation burials. We have had inquiries about cremation plots,” he said.

On Tuesday evening, the board approved going forward with a survey of the land, and the creation of 10 to 15 cremation plots.

The survey cost is estimated to be about $1,000, Morton said, adding he would let the board know if the cost was more than that amount.

After talking to the owners of Lakeside Cemetery, Morton got some sage advice about managing a cemetery.

People are asked to put a stone plaque on the ground of a purchased cremation burial plot so future buyers could easily see what is available. It cuts down on confusion, he said.

The cost is “about $375 for a plot, and same amount for perpetual care,” Morton said.

“You could put two to four remains in there. Often times, people buy it for a couple or for a family,” he said.

“In town, there is a shortage of space — not a lot of spaces left if you want to be interred in Casco,” he said.

Operating a cemetery “seems to be simple process. But, I may live to regret that statement,” Morton said.