​In Constructing the Railroads in the United States, Thousands of Landowners

Multiple Choice

​In constructing the railroads in the United States, thousands of landowners granted the federal government easements for the placement of railroad tracks. As rail travel declined, many of the routes were no longer used. Many of the railroad tracks were dismantled formally by cities and towns and many were dismantled informally by those seeking to utilize the iron from the tracks and the wooden ties. In some cases, the tracks were turned into bicycle paths that have served recreational and commuter needs.
-Assume the easements were granted solely for railroad tracks. Which of the following is correct?

A) The decline of train travel and abandonment of use results in termination of the easements.
B) The easement is a land right granted in perpetuity.
C) The landowners could only have the government rights terminated through court action.
D) The railroads had only a license and it terminated at the will of the landowners.