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 New Hampshire, a public easement is a legal right that allows the general public to use certain pieces of land for specific purposes, such as streets, sidewalks, parks, or beaches. These easements are typically established through dedication by a property owner, by prescription, or by implication. For instance, if a landowner allows the public to use a path across their property for a certain period, this can become a public easement by prescription. Public easements are protected under state law, and interference with or obstruction of these easements can lead to legal action. Maintenance of public easements is often the responsibility of local or state government entities, and the specific regulations governing public easements can be found in local ordinances, state statutes, and case law. It's important to note that public easements are designed to balance the interests of property owners with the needs of the general public.