A new OnDemand video course, titled “Leases, Easements, and Access: Legal Insights for Hunting and Fishing,” is now available for legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of land access agreements. The program, which includes a downloadable course book, is designed primarily for attorneys, with paralegals also identified as potential beneficiaries.
The curriculum addresses several critical aspects of land use law as it pertains to recreational activities. Key topics include the fundamental distinctions between public and private land access, guiding legal practitioners on how to advise clients regarding their rights and obligations. The course delves into the various forms of agreements used to secure access, such as licenses, leases, and easements, providing a framework for selecting the most appropriate instrument for a client’s specific needs.
Participants will learn the intricacies of drafting hunting and fishing licenses, ensuring clarity and enforceability. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to the negotiation of hunting and fishing leases, offering perspectives from both the landowner and the lessee. This dual approach aims to equip attorneys with the skills to represent either party effectively, navigating common pitfalls and securing favorable terms. Additionally, the course provides guidance on the creation of clear and binding easements specifically tailored for hunting and fishing access.
The program emphasizes the practical application of legal principles, focusing on how to select the agreement form that best fits a client’s objectives. It also covers key provisions that should be included in hunting leases, considering the interests of both property owners and those seeking recreational access. The objective is to enable legal professionals to create robust and unambiguous easements that clearly define access rights and responsibilities.
The course is led by Dane E. Ardente, an attorney with a specialization in land use and commercial litigation. Mr. Ardente’s professional background includes extensive experience in land use, municipal law and permitting, property and real-estate disputes, business disputes, and breach-of-contract litigation. He holds a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island and a J.D. from Roger Williams University. Mr. Ardente is a member of both the Rhode Island and Massachusetts bar associations and is admitted to practice in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
Continuing legal education (CLE) credit is offered for the program across a broad spectrum of jurisdictions. Attorneys in 32 states and territories can earn either one or 1.2 total CLE credits. The expiration dates for these credits vary, with some extending as far as March 24, 2030, for jurisdictions such as Idaho and Washington. Other credits expire sooner, with Florida and Wisconsin credits expiring by September 30, 2026, and December 31, 2026, respectively. Iowa is listed as offering one credit with no specified expiration date.
Why it matters in Lexington
For attorneys and landowners in Lexington, understanding the legal frameworks surrounding land access for hunting and fishing is particularly relevant. The presence of significant natural resources like Lake Murray and the Saluda River makes recreational activities, including hunting and fishing, a notable part of the local landscape. As land development continues across Lexington County, and with properties like those in Saluda River Club and Spence Plantation bordering natural areas, the need for clear, legally sound agreements for land use and access becomes increasingly important. Legal professionals in Lexington advising clients on property transactions, recreational leases, or land management issues may find the insights from this course valuable in navigating complex land access agreements and protecting the interests of both landowners and recreational users within the community.
