Whether the National Trails System Act precludes state courts from resolving competing claims to property rights

QUESTIONS PRESENTED Petitioner owns a parcel of land in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Terminal Railroad formerly had the right to operate a portion of rail line subject to a conditional easement over a portion of Petitioner's property. The easement terminated according to its terms. Nevertheless, Chicago Terminal Railroad entered into an agreement with the City of Chicago to receive compensation for the terminated easement pursuant to The National Trails System Act. There is an irreconcilable split between state courts regarding whether the Surface Transportation Board can convert an expired easement by compensating the railroad, which holds no valid title, for access to create a recreational trail, a purpose not permitted by the easement’s terms. The questions presented are: 1. Whether the National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1241 et seq., precludes state courts from resolving, for purposes of state property law, competing claims to property rights. 2. Whether Congress intended to create a massive takings scheme when it enacted the National Trails System Act.