If an island lies on both sides of the centerline of a non-navigable stream, who owns the land?

In the case of an island lying on both sides of the centerline of a non-navigable stream, the correct understanding is that each riparian owner owns to the centerline of the stream. This principle arises from the concept of riparian rights, which are applicable to properties that adjoin water bodies.

In Texas, ownership rights for land adjacent to non-navigable streams empower landowners to claim ownership of the land up to the midpoint of the stream when the water body divides their property. Therefore, if an island is positioned within this context, landowners on both sides would typically own to the centerline of the stream, thus sharing the ownership of the island.

This principle reflects the intent behind riparian rights, ensuring that landowners have equitable access and rights to natural resources without infringing on each other’s properties. This is particularly relevant when considering issues of boundary disputes and resource management, where clear ownership delineation is crucial. The other options do not accurately reflect the established legal framework surrounding riparian ownership and the treatment of land adjacent to non-navigable waterways.