Stewart, Wald & Smith, LLC

11/03/2026

Does your property border the railroad corridor planned for the SoKno Trail? You may have a claim for compensation.

Stewart, Wald & Smith recently reached a settlement totaling nearly $350,000 for seven South Knoxville landowners whose properties adjoin the planned trail corridor. We’re continuing to investigate potential claims for other landowners along the 3.8-mile route from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center.

Some landowners may be entitled to compensation from the federal government when the railroad along their property is converted to a trail. Whether you have a claim depends on the property rights involved and the history of your parcel.

If your land borders the corridor, call (314) 720-0220 to talk with us about your property. Know someone who owns land along the old railroad corridor? Share this post with them.

Read the full press release:

Stewart, Wald & Smith brings you recent news and relevant blog articles on legal topics pertaining to rail trail conversions and landowner rights.

10/10/2026

Own property along the Saluda Grade railroad corridor? You may have a right to compensation from the federal government.

Our latest blog explains what railbanking means for landowners, provides an update on our two pending cases and settlement negotiations, and shares information about upcoming October landowner meetings with founding partner Steven Wald.

Seeking compensation does not require opposing the trail. Eligibility depends on the deeds and legal interests associated with each property.

Read the full update:
https://www.swslegal.com/media/blog.html/article/2026/10/09/the-saluda-grade-rail-trail-railbanking-and-landowner-compensation-update

Questions about your property? Contact Stewart, Wald & Smith at 314-720-0220.

Stewart, Wald & Smith - Rails to Trails BLOG

09/21/2026

Polk County property owners may be entitled to compensation following the federal government’s authorization of a former railroad corridor for railbanking and recreational-trail use.

Stewart, Wald & Smith has filed a lawsuit on behalf of more than 80 landowners who collectively own nearly 100 properties along the approximately 12.2-mile corridor from Grimes to Des Moines.

The lawsuit does not seek to stop or delay the proposed trail. It seeks monetary compensation from the federal government under the Fifth Amendment for the taking of private property rights.

Property owners whose land adjoins the former Norfolk Southern corridor are encouraged to learn more about their rights and whether they may have a claim.

Read the full announcement:
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/943361564/federal-rails-to-trails-process-triggers-compensation-claims-for-polk-county-owners

Polk County landowners have filed a lawsuit against the United States seeking the just compensation guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment following the federal

08/26/2026

📣 ATTENTION BONITA–ESTERO PROPERTY OWNERS

Stewart, Wald & Smith has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of 17 landowners whose properties adjoin the proposed Bonita Estero Rail Trail.

The lawsuit seeks just compensation from the federal government under the Fifth Amendment. It is not intended to stop or delay the trail project.

We are also hosting THREE complimentary informational meetings for adjacent landowners who want to:

⚖️ Learn about the lawsuit
🏡 Better understand their property rights
🚂 Learn how railbanking may affect their land
❓ Ask questions directly to experienced attorneys

Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers at I-75 & Gulf Coast Town Center, 10050 Gulf Center Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33913

Friday, September 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Warehouse Café, Upper Room, 4461 Bonita Beach Rd. Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Please share this with anyone who owns property along the proposed trail corridor.

https://www.swslegal.com/media/overview.html/article/2026/08/26/lawsuit-filed-on-behalf-of-bonita-estero-rail-trail-landowners-firm-announces-informational-meetings-for-adjacent-property-owners



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Disregard this solicitation if you have already engaged a lawyer in connection with the legal matter referred to in this solicitation. You may wish to consult your lawyer or another lawyer instead of me (us). The exact nature of your legal situation will depend on many facts not known to me (us) at this time. You should understand that the advice and information in this solicitation is general and that your own situation may vary. This statement is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Stewart, Wald & Smith brings you recent news and relevant blog articles on legal topics pertaining to rail trail conversions and landowner rights.

08/25/2026

Please join us in congratulating attorney Allison P. Bettlach on her one-year anniversary with Stewart, Wald & Smith!

Over the past year, Allie has helped represent landowners across the country in Rails-to-Trails cases. Her dedication to understanding what makes each client’s property special—and protecting their property rights—makes her a valued member of our team.

Get to know Allie and read her reflections on her first year with SWS:

https://www.swslegal.com/media/blog.html/article/2026/08/25/allison-p-bettlach-celebrates-1-year-with-stewart-wald-smith-llc

Congratulations, Allie! We are grateful to have you on our team and look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you.

08/24/2026

Do you own property adjacent to the proposed Wekiva Trail extension in Lake County, Florida?

Stewart, Wald & Smith is offering complimentary, no-obligation meetings to help property owners in the Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis areas better understand the proposed trail project and how it may affect their property rights.

During these meetings, landowners can learn more about the federal Rails-to-Trails program, the history of the railroad corridor, and whether they may be entitled to compensation from the federal government.

Read the full announcement and learn how to schedule a complimentary meeting:

https://www.swslegal.com/media/overview.html/article/2026/08/24/complimentary-meetings-will-help-adjacent-property-owners-better-understand-the-proposed-wekiva-trail-extension



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Disregard this solicitation if you have already engaged a lawyer in connection with the legal matter referred to in this solicitation. You may wish to consult your lawyer or another lawyer instead of me (us). The exact nature of your legal situation will depend on many facts not known to me (us) at this time. You should understand that the advice and information in this solicitation is general and that your own situation may vary. This statement is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Stewart, Wald & Smith brings you recent news and relevant blog articles on legal topics pertaining to rail trail conversions and landowner rights.

08/19/2026

Do you own property next to the proposed FNOR Rail Trail in Ocala or Marion County?

Stewart, Wald & Smith will host three complimentary informational meetings for adjacent landowners to discuss the proposed conversion of approximately 9.1 miles of inactive Florida Northern Railroad track into a public recreational trail.

Attendees will learn about:

• The difference between railroad ownership and railroad easements
• How rail-trail conversions may affect adjoining property rights
• Why historical deeds and property records matter
• The federal and state processes involved in developing rail trails

Meetings will be held at Workspace Collective, 217 S.E. 1st Ave., Suite 200, Ocala:

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 — 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 — 8:30 a.m.

There is no cost to attend, and all interested adjoining property owners are welcome.

Read the full announcement:
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/935396615/complimentary-meetings-for-adjacent-landowners-along-the-proposed-fnor-rail-trail-in-ocala

Meetings Will Explain How Rail-Trail Conversions Can Affect Adjacent Property Rights

08/06/2026

After Recovering More Than $755,000 for Lakeshore Trail Landowners, Stewart, Wald & Smith Files New Muskegon Lawsuit

Read the full press release:
https://www.swslegal.com/media/overview.html/article/2026/08/06/after-recovering-more-than-755-000-for-lakeshore-trail-landowners-stewart-wald-smith-files-new-lawsuit

📅Free Informational Meetings for Property Owners

Stewart, Wald & Smith will host three complimentary informational meetings for property owners who live along or near the Lakeshore Trail. Attorneys will explain the newly filed lawsuit, discuss how Rails-to-Trails cases work, answer questions, and explain who may be eligible to seek just compensation.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
6:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 20, 2026
9:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held at:
Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore
Conference Room
900 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49441

Stewart, Wald & Smith brings you recent news and relevant blog articles on legal topics pertaining to rail trail conversions and landowner rights.

07/07/2026

🚨 Bonita-Estero Rail Trail Moves Forward: What Adjacent Landowners Need to Know

The proposed Bonita-Estero Rail Trail is moving closer to reality—but many adjacent property owners may not realize how the project could affect their property rights.

If your property borders the railroad corridor, now is the time to understand:
✔️ Whether you may have a legal claim
✔️ How trail conversions can impact adjoining properties
✔️ Why waiting too long could affect your rights

Many landowners are surprised to learn that they may be entitled to compensation when railroad corridors are converted into public trails.

Read our latest blog to learn what every adjacent landowner should know and why acting early matters.

🔗 https://www.swslegal.com/media/blog.html/article/2026/07/07/bonita-estero-rail-trail-moves-forward-what-adjacent-landowners-need-to-know-about-their-property-rights



If you own property along the corridor and have questions about your rights, contact Stewart, Wald & Smith for a free consultation.

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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Disregard this solicitation if you have already engaged a lawyer in connection with the legal matter referred to in this solicitation. You may wish to consult your lawyer or another lawyer instead of me (us). The exact nature of your legal situation will depend on many facts not known to me (us) at this time. You should understand that the advice and information in this solicitation is general and that your own situation may vary. This statement is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri.

07/06/2026

Another victory for private property rights.

Stewart, Wald & Smith is proud to announce that landowners along the Lakeshore Trail have received more than $750,000 in compensation after the federal government's rail-to-trail conversion resulted in a taking of their property rights under the Fifth Amendment.

While trails provide tremendous benefits to communities, the Constitution requires that landowners receive just compensation when their property rights are taken. We're honored to help ensure those rights are protected.

If you own property along a railroad corridor that has been converted—or is proposed to be converted—into a recreational trail, you may have legal rights.

Read the full announcement:
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/924747870/landowners-along-lakeshore-trail-receive-750-000-in-settlement-over-property-rights

Learn more about Rails-to-Trails litigation:
https://www.swslegal.com

Landowners whose property is taken for recreational trails rely on Stewart, Wald & Smith to recover money for them from the government.