What is the primary function of a public easement?

The primary function of a public easement is to enhance public access and use of certain private property areas. A public easement grants the general public the right to use a specific portion of private land for a specified purpose, such as walking, biking, or accessing a natural resource. This is designed to meet community needs, ensuring that individuals can enjoy public spaces while also respecting the rights of private property owners.

In contrast, limiting private property use would be more characteristic of certain regulatory restrictions rather than the primary role of a public easement. The idea of allowing unrestricted private development does not align with the purpose of an easement, as easements are intended to balance public access with private ownership rights. Similarly, while easements can impact ownership rights, their primary purpose is not to establish these rights, but rather to facilitate public access to and enjoyment of land.