Opinion ID: 2595592
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Should the Easements Be Perpetual

Text: [¶ 52] We embark on this discussion with a reference to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-26-515, which provides for the termination of condemned easements, such as those at issue here, because of nonuse, upon certain transfers or attempted transfers of the easement by the condemnor, and where a new use is not identical to the original use. The landowners contend that since the Forest Service will give only a 25-year easement, the State a 35-year easement, and the BLM a 30-year easement, their property should not be saddled with perpetual easements. Although the circumstances with the State are somewhat different, with both the Forest Service and the BLM renewal of the easement is a matter of formality and does not require the payment of additional compensation. It is the goal of the landowners (who apparently might settle for a 50-year term) to require that compensation be renegotiated after, e.g., 50 years, so that future generations will derive benefit from the land as well. [¶ 53] The district court did not characterize the easements as perpetual. Rather it found that the easements would be required for an unlimited length of time. Evidence adduced at trial showed that existing electrical transmission infrastructure had been in place for over 50 years and would continue to be needed for the indefinite future. As a general rule, easements may be perpetual, or for an indefinite duration, or for so long as they are needed for their intended purpose or so long as the necessity continues. 4 Powell on Real Property § 34.19, at 34-179  34-184 (2001); 25 Am.Jur.2d Easements and Licenses § 94 (2004). [¶ 54] The landowners have not cited pertinent authority that convinces us that the district court erred in determining that the easements were for an indefinite period of time, although they are, of course, limited by a use consistent with Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-26-515.