A new on-demand legal course, titled “Leases, Easements, and Access: Legal Insights for Hunting and Fishing,” has become available, providing attorneys with detailed guidance on navigating the complexities of land access agreements. The program, delivered as a video with a downloadable course book, delves into critical distinctions between public and private land access, and the various legal instruments used to secure recreational rights.
The curriculum is structured to assist legal professionals in selecting the most appropriate agreement form for their clients, whether they represent landowners or those seeking access. Key topics include the differences among licenses, leases, and easements, and the specific considerations for drafting each type of agreement. The course also offers strategies for negotiating hunting and fishing leases, addressing perspectives from both landowners and lessees, and outlines the process for creating clear and binding easements for long-term access.
Leading the program is Dane E. Ardente, an attorney recognized for his work in land use and commercial litigation. Ardente’s professional background encompasses a range of legal areas, including municipal law and permitting, property and real-estate disputes, business disputes, and breach-of-contract litigation. He holds a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island and a J.D. from Roger Williams University. Ardente is admitted to practice in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, and is a member of both the Rhode Island and Massachusetts bar associations.
The course is primarily designed for attorneys, though paralegals may also find its content beneficial. It offers continuing legal education (CLE) credits in 32 jurisdictions across the United States, with credit expiration dates ranging from September 30, 2026, to March 24, 2030. Notably, while a broad array of states are included, South Carolina is not listed among the jurisdictions for which CLE credit is currently provided. Attorneys in Greer and the broader Upstate region would need to verify if the course qualifies for self-study or other forms of credit under South Carolina Bar rules.
The program’s emphasis on selecting the correct agreement, addressing key lease provisions, and creating clear easements underscores the intricate legal landscape surrounding land access for recreational purposes. For attorneys practicing in Greer, understanding these nuances can be crucial when advising clients on property rights, conservation efforts, or commercial ventures involving land use.
Why it matters in Greer
For the Greer legal community and landowners across the Upstate South Carolina region, the principles outlined in this course hold significant relevance. Greer is situated near natural assets such as the Enoree River, South Tyger River, Lake Robinson, and Lake Cunningham, which attract hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Property owners, from individual residents to larger entities like Greer CPW, often navigate questions of land access, trespass, and recreational use. Attorneys in Greer who specialize in real estate, property law, or environmental law may encounter clients seeking to formalize access agreements or resolve disputes related to hunting and fishing rights. While the course does not offer direct CLE credit in South Carolina, its substantive content on land access agreements provides valuable insights for legal professionals advising clients on these matters within the local context of Greer and its surrounding natural areas.
