Riparian and Littoral Law in New York State: Part II

The course is part 2 of an overview of New York State (primarily) Riparian and Littoral Law with emphasis on determining ownership of lands under water and boundary lines defined by water and watercourses.  It begins with an introduction to surveying principles to resolve disputes, particularly with respect to apportioning out riparian or littoral rights. Natural changes in riparian boundaries are discussed, as are artificial changes to shore lines particularly with respect to reclaiming land. This course includes a discussion of various case studies including a discussion of the centerline presumption, and accretional, erosional and manmade additions to shorelines.

Objectives

• Learn the application of some of the riparian terms defined in Tutorial 1 so that the attendees can properly interpret decisions that they read in the case law.
• Understand how surveying principles are used to cover a variety of situations concerning shoreline or bank frontage when erosion or accretion occurs so that the surveyor will be able to use them as a reliable basis for decision-making.
• Be introduced to the issues riparian law cases raise, and how, despite well-established principles that can be apply for the majority of situations, gain the understanding that sometimes, new ways must be found for solution.