Document / Legal Opinion

Presnell v. Cullen

Posted 2022 Updated February 26
About This Legal Opinion

Court finds that the Conservancy’s vegetation removal activities were reasonable, there was no viable trespass action, and the trial court’s attorney fees award was upheld.

November 2025 Update: Presnell’s opposition to the trail continued even after the 2022 court rulings. In a 2025 ruling, the Kansas Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s rulings in favor of the Conservancy on numerous grounds. In particular, the appellate court ruled that a recreational trail served a public use and could not be defeated by an adverse possession claim. The appellate court also upheld a $15,000 punitive damages award for Presnell’s repeated and intentional obstruction of the trail.

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