NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What doctrine states that the public has certain rights in navigable waters below the high water mark?

1. Water Resource Doctrine

2. Public Trust Doctrine

3. Environmental Protection Doctrine

4. Navigable Waters Act

The correct answer is: Public Trust Doctrine

The correct choice is based on the Public Trust Doctrine, which establishes the principle that certain natural resources, particularly navigable waters, are preserved for public use and that the state has an obligation to protect and maintain these resources for the public's benefit. Under this doctrine, the public has rights to access and use the waters below the high water mark, which includes activities like fishing, swimming, and transportation. This legal framework ensures that these waterways remain accessible to the public and cannot be exclusively owned or privatized by individuals or corporations. The importance of the Public Trust Doctrine lies in its historical foundation rooted in the idea that certain resources are too vital to be owned privately and must be available for communal benefit. This legal principle is crucial in discussions surrounding land use, environmental conservation, and public access to water resources.