Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Submerged lands under navigable tidally affected waters are typically owned by the state on behalf of the public. This principle is rooted in the concept of the public trust doctrine, which holds that certain natural resources, such as navigable waters and the lands beneath them, are preserved for public use. As such, these lands are not owned privately by riparian owners, which includes individuals who own land adjacent to the water. Rather, control and management of these submerged lands rest with the state, intended to ensure access for activities such as navigation, fishing, and recreation that benefit the public. The state may delegate authority to specific agencies, such as a department of environmental protection, for regulation and oversight, but ultimate ownership remains with the state as a whole, emphasizing that these resources are for public enjoyment and benefit.