The article addressed the ownership of a historic island in the Comal River, near its spring-fed headwaters. The land had been the subject of trespassing and conflicting claims of ownership and control in recent years. Those issues were resolved by the purchase in April of the property by the Comal County Water Recreational District No. 1, which for decades had managed the property.

Leonard represented the District on the purchase of the island and noted that a 1925 deed reserved to  nearby landowners the rights to build structures, swim, fish and enjoy what the island has to offer.

“We’ve always believed those were exclusive rights, otherwise there would be no need to include them in the deed,”  he said, “Because they were exclusive rights, the district that manages the property had grounds to exclude people from the property.”

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About Leonard

Leonard Dougal is an environmental lawyer who represents a diverse group of clients in complex permitting and water matters, including energy companies involved in shale development, power generation companies, real estate developers and special utility districts. He is also active in water quality issues where he represents mining and energy companies, developers and agricultural operators in Clean Water Act permit and compliance matters.