California lawmakers oppose Yosemite land-swap proposal

A group of 61 California lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to reject a proposed federal land-swap plan involving Yosemite National Park. The proposal involves Nevada-based Kingsbarn Realty Capital, which seeks to acquire 1.1 acres of federal land within Yosemite in exchange for an equivalent parcel elsewhere in California.

The exchange would allow the developer to connect its 83-acre Hazel Green property, located just outside the park’s western boundary, to the existing highway network via a road less than half a mile long. Lanny J. Davis, the attorney representing Kingsbarn, stated that the new access road would improve safety and reduce vehicle emissions by preventing drivers from having to use longer, unpaved forest roads.

Opponents, including the coalition of California legislators, are calling on Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to halt the deal. Any formal agreement would still require comprehensive environmental reviews and public comment periods.