11/13/2025
Community Update – We’ve heard your concerns and want to share an update about the Graves Cemetery barrier…
At the November 11, 2025, Board meeting, the Orland Cemetery District Board of Trustees had a heartfelt discussion about the barrier recently installed at Graves Cemetery.
During the review of the installation, Trustees and staff spoke with several visitors to Graves Cemetery. Many community members shared that they were saddened by the need for such protective measures yet understood why they were necessary to prevent further damage. A few visitors expressed concern that the barrier made access more difficult for those with limited mobility, and the Board took those concerns to heart during its deliberations.
The Board originally approved the barrier in response to ongoing acts of vandalism at Graves Cemetery, including theft, illegal dumping, unauthorized camping, damage to a walk-through gate from a vehicle, and reckless driving in the parking area. These incidents caused real harm to the cemetery grounds and required staff time and District funds to repair. Since that time, the District has installed security cameras to help deter future damage.
The barrier was never meant to keep families out, and the District sincerely apologizes if it caused any distress or made visits difficult. Our goal has always been to protect both our visitors and these sacred grounds.
After careful consideration and public input, the Board of Trustees has voted to remove the barrier while continuing to explore alternative solutions that maintain accessibility while discouraging vandalism. The District has already installed security cameras to help monitor the property and is now considering placing decorative boulders along the fence line to help deter vehicles from entering through pedestrian gates and to protect the fencing and nearby monuments. These proposed measures would help safeguard the cemetery while preserving its beauty and accessibility for all visitors.
The District operates with limited funding and staff resources, and per our Rules and Regulations, “The District is not liable for damage, theft, vandalism, or deterioration of headstones.” Despite this limitation, we remain committed to doing everything possible to care for and protect our cemeteries.
We are asking for your help and ideas. If you have suggestions or if you’re able to donate time, boulders, or equipment to help with this project please contact the District Office at (530) 865-3880.
If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity, please contact local law enforcement right away.
Thank you to everyone who continues to care for, visit, and respect our cemeteries. With your support, we can keep them peaceful and welcoming places of remembrance for generations to come.
Orland Cemetery District.
