A public easement is an easement that gives all people (the public) the right to use and enjoy a tract of property such as a street, sidewalk, park, or beach.
In Minnesota, a public easement is a legal right that allows the public to use certain property for specific purposes, such as streets, sidewalks, parks, or beaches. Public easements are typically established through dedication, where a property owner grants the easement to the public, often as part of the development process, or through prescription, where the public has used the property for a certain period of time without the owner's interference. These easements are recorded and maintained by local governments, and they ensure that the public can access and enjoy these areas. The regulation of public easements in Minnesota is governed by state statutes, such as the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 160, which deals with roads and streets, and local ordinances that may outline specific rules for the creation, use, and maintenance of public easements. Additionally, federal law may come into play if the easement involves federal land or if there are issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning public access.