Property Ownership

A Minnesota property owner grants a utility company the right to run power lines across their property. After the utility company abandons the line, the easement:

AAutomatically terminates by operation of law
BReverts to an easement by necessity
CMay terminate if the purpose for which it was granted no longer exists✓ Correct
DRemains permanently even after abandonment

Explanation

An easement granted for a specific purpose (like utility lines) may terminate when that purpose no longer exists, particularly if the easement was for a specific use. Minnesota courts have held that abandonment of an easement, shown by non-use plus acts indicating intent to abandon, can terminate the easement. Clear abandonment must be demonstrated.

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