Submerged lands under non-navigable, non-tidal water are generally owned by the?

Submerged lands under non-navigable, non-tidal water are generally owned by the riparian owner because the ownership of such lands typically extends to the private landowner whose property adjoins the body of water. This is rooted in the principle of riparian rights, which grants landowners rights to the water and resources immediately adjacent to their property. Since non-navigable waterways are not subject to federal jurisdiction and do not require public access, the riparian owner retains rights to the land beneath the water.

In the context of environmental regulations or state interests, while other entities like state departments or the federal government may have oversight or regulatory authority, the direct ownership of submerged lands under non-navigable waters belongs to the riparian owner. This is different from the scenario with navigable waters, where the lands would typically be under the jurisdiction of state or federal governments to ensure public access.