The Trump administration is advancing a proposal to trade a small parcel of Yosemite National Park to a private developer, according to internal documents and officials familiar with the matter. The deal would allow the developer to construct a road through the park, connecting adjacent property it owns in the Stanislaus National Forest to a service road within Yosemite.
The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed in a statement that negotiations are underway but emphasized that no final decisions have been made. The proposal has drawn scrutiny from congressional Democrats, who are seeking to block the exchange, and follows years of prior rejections under previous administrations.
Administration officials have privately pressured the NPS to approve the deal, a move described as unusual by observers. The Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, stated that any agreement would comply with federal regulations and undergo required environmental reviews and public notification processes.
Developer’s Rationale
The private developer, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, has characterized the proposal as an environmentally friendly solution, arguing that a private road would reduce driving for future residents of an upscale development. An attorney for the company stated the deal is not politically motivated and aligns with conservation goals by minimizing traffic impact.
Opposition and Legal Hurdles
Democratic lawmakers, including Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff of California, have condemned the proposal, citing its potential to undermine protections for Yosemite. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which safeguards public lands, has also raised concerns. The exchange requires appraising the Yosemite parcel and securing equivalent-value land, a process described as complex and unprecedented.
Background and Precedent
Federal regulations typically prohibit the transfer of national park land to private entities, with past proposals for similar exchanges rejected under the Bush and Obama administrations and blocked in court. The current plan originated from a decades-old initiative by Jeff Pori, CEO of Kingsbarn Realty Capital, to connect his property to a nearby thoroughfare.
Next Steps
The NPS has indicated that if the proposal advances, it will follow established procedures, including environmental reviews and public input. The administration has not disclosed whether an agreement has been reached or when a decision might be finalized.