A new OnDemand legal course, “Leases, Easements, and Access: Legal Insights for Hunting and Fishing,” is now available, offering a comprehensive review of the legal frameworks governing land access for recreational purposes. The program, designed primarily for attorneys and potentially beneficial for paralegals, addresses critical distinctions and drafting considerations pertinent to land use in areas like Myrtle Beach.
The course delves into the complexities of public versus private land access, a fundamental aspect of property law that often leads to disputes. It further distinguishes between various forms of access agreements, including licenses, leases, and easements, outlining the specific legal implications and appropriate applications for each. For legal professionals advising landowners, developers, or recreational groups in Horry County, understanding these nuances is essential for clear and enforceable agreements.
Key components of the program include practical guidance on drafting hunting and fishing licenses, negotiating hunting and fishing leases from both the landowner’s and lessee’s perspectives, and establishing clear and binding easements for long-term access. These topics are particularly relevant in regions experiencing significant growth and land transformation, where the balance between development and recreational land use is a persistent legal challenge.
The curriculum emphasizes selecting the most suitable agreement form to meet a client’s specific needs, addressing crucial provisions in hunting leases, and creating robust easements. This detailed approach aims to equip legal practitioners with the tools to navigate the often-intricate landscape of land access rights and obligations, which can vary significantly based on local regulations and property characteristics.
The program features Dane E. Ardente, an attorney with a specialization in land use and commercial litigation. Mr. Ardente’s expertise spans municipal law and permitting, property and real-estate disputes, business disputes, and breach-of-contract litigation. He earned his B.A. from the University of Rhode Island and his J.D. from Roger Williams University. Admitted to practice in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, his background provides a foundation for the course’s focus on practical legal application.
Continuing legal education (CLE) credit is available for participants in 32 jurisdictions across the United States. The program offers one or 1.2 total credits, with expiration dates ranging from September 30, 2026, for Florida attorneys, to March 24, 2030, for those in Idaho and Washington. Iowa is listed with no specific expiration date for its one credit. This broad accreditation makes the course accessible to a wide array of legal professionals seeking to fulfill their ongoing education requirements while gaining specialized knowledge in land access law.
Why it matters in Myrtle Beach
For legal professionals practicing in Myrtle Beach and the broader Horry County area, the insights offered by this course are particularly pertinent. The region, characterized by its rapid development and significant natural resources like the Waccamaw River and Intracoastal Waterway, frequently sees complex interactions between private land ownership, public access, and recreational activities such as hunting and fishing. Attorneys advising clients involved in real estate transactions, property disputes, or land management—including those working with entities like the Horry County Government or developers such as Burroughs & Chapin Company—often encounter the precise issues covered in this program. Understanding the legal distinctions between licenses, leases, and easements, as well as best practices for drafting and negotiating these agreements, can be crucial for mitigating conflicts and ensuring legal compliance in a dynamic environment where land use priorities are constantly evolving.
