Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What happens to land lost by erosion according to Manry v. Robison?

1. It becomes part of the riparian owner's property

2. It remains unclaimed until someone surveys it

3. It becomes the property of the State

4. It is awarded to the previous owner

The correct answer is: It becomes the property of the State

In the context of Manry v. Robison, land lost due to erosion is determined to become the property of the State. This legal principle stems from the notion that when land is eroded away, it eventually leads to the loss of a portion of private property. Such loss means that the affected land no longer exists within the boundaries of the riparian owner’s property. Instead, it is reallocated to the State, as the original owner cannot reclaim eroded land that has disappeared into water bodies or has otherwise been permanently lost. This decision highlights the legal framework surrounding land loss through erosion and emphasizes the State's role in managing such changes. The ruling underscores the principle that private property rights are subject to the changes affecting the natural landscape, which may result in land that is no longer physically connected to private holdings being reclassified as public property.