Property Ownership

Wyoming's prior appropriation doctrine governing water rights means:

AWater rights belong to the state and cannot be privately owned
BThe first user to appropriate water for beneficial use has superior rights to later appropriators✓ Correct
CAll landowners along a stream share water equally
DWater rights are automatically transferred with the land

Explanation

Wyoming follows the prior appropriation doctrine ('first in time, first in right'). Water rights are separate from land ownership and must be officially appropriated for beneficial use. During shortages, senior water rights holders have priority over junior holders.

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