Geographic Scope of the
Doctrine
Module Description
This module details how navigable waters are defined and discusses how
the doctrine’s scope may change with the changes to the shore.
Module Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- Explain what constitutes “navigable waters”
- Discuss how states and the federal government define navigable waters
differently and what effect these definitions have on the Public Trust
Doctrine
- Specify the boundary of Public Trust interest used by most states on
tidewaters and freshwaters
- Discuss the natural and artificial ways in which the boundary of Public
Trust interest can change and what effect these changes have on the Public
Trust.
- Explain how public interest in filled lands can be revived