The Trump administration is reportedly considering a land exchange involving a portion of Yosemite National Park and a private real estate developer, a development that has drawn opposition from former park officials and California lawmakers. While the US Department of the Interior has stated no final decision has been reached, the proposal centers on Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a Nevada-based company.
Kingsbarn Realty Capital owns an 83-acre parcel adjacent to the national park and seeks to construct a private road into Yosemite. The developer would offer land of equivalent value in exchange for a section within Yosemite National Park, according to reports. This potential land swap has raised concerns among conservationists and public officials.
Don Neubacher, who served as Yosemite National Park’s superintendent until his retirement in 2016 after 36 years with the National Park Service, has voiced strong opposition to the proposal. He described the activity as potentially illegal and emphasized that public lands are not typically transferred to private entities. Neubacher noted that a similar attempt to gain congressional approval for such a transfer was rejected in the past year.
Neubacher expressed concern about the potential impact on wildlife and park resources. He highlighted the presence of Pacific fishers, great gray owls, and other wildlife in the specific area under consideration, stating that additional development would be detrimental. He also pointed out that Yosemite already receives five million visitors annually and faces significant development pressure outside its boundaries, where developers generally adhere to existing regulations.
California senators have also weighed in on the matter. Senator Adam Schiff stated that Yosemite is a natural wonder and that his office would fight the project again, referencing a previous court rejection. Senator Alex Padilla posted on X that Yosemite is not for sale. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also responded, asserting that national parks are not the property of any single administration and that his office is monitoring the situation. President Donald Trump has not publicly commented on the reported deal.
