The Trump administration is reportedly considering a land exchange involving a parcel of Yosemite National Park, potentially allowing a private developer access to a service road within the park for a future development.
Documents reviewed by The Times and statements from administration officials and members of Congress indicate that the proposed deal would enable a developer to construct a road connecting adjacent property in the Stanislaus National Forest to a Yosemite service road. This access would facilitate future development on the private land by providing a direct link to the famed public wilderness.
News outlet NOTUS reported that administration officials have been exerting pressure on the National Park Service to approve the land deal, a move described as highly unusual. Previous proposals for this land have been repeatedly denied under prior administrations and in court.
The Department of the Interior acknowledged that a land deal is under consideration but denied any inappropriate White House influence, stating that negotiations will adhere to federal regulations and that no final decisions have been made. An attorney for the private developer asserts the deal is an environmentally friendly solution aimed at reducing travel distances for future residents, unrelated to political considerations.
Congressional Democrats, including Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, are actively working to block the proposed exchange. They argue that such deals should be based on merit, not political connections, and emphasize the need to protect Yosemite's natural wonders from further development and potential exploitation.
The developer, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, aims to build upscale housing but faces challenges with current road access. Their representative claims the land swap is a legally compliant, environmentally sound proposal, denying any connection to political contributions. The Interior Department has refuted claims of political pressure, emphasizing adherence to established procedures and transparency.
