The Trump administration is reportedly considering a land exchange that would transfer a portion of Yosemite National Park to a private developer in order to build an access road, a lawyer for the company confirmed. Negotiations have been underway between the National Park Service (NPS) and Nevada-based Kingsbarn Realty Capital to construct a new road connecting Kingsbarn’s 83-acre (approximately 33 hectares) private property near Yosemite’s entrance. In exchange, the developer would provide land elsewhere to the park, officials said.
Lawyer Lanny Davis, representing Kingsbarn and identifying as a lifelong progressive Democrat, argued that the proposed road would reduce vehicle emissions by shortening trips to the currently undeveloped parcel. He noted that without direct access, travel from the area requires longer drives on unpaved forest roads, thus producing more pollution. "The new access road would be safer for drivers and generate substantially less vehicle emissions," he said. Davis also emphasized that the land exchange is authorized under federal law and would not decrease the overall size of Yosemite National Park.
The Interior Department confirmed that discussions had taken place but denied claims that political pressure influenced the process. The agency stated any proposal involving National Park Service lands would undergo all relevant federal laws, environmental reviews, and public notification requirements, adding that no final decisions have been made.
The potential deal has sparked significant opposition among conservation groups, park employees, and Democrats. The National Parks Conservation Association described the move as an unlawful attack on protected lands, condemning it as part of an effort to dismantle the country's conservation legacy. Mark Rose, a senior program manager with the group, criticized the proposal as a secretive, backroom deal targeting Yosemite. Meanwhile, the Yosemite NPS Employees Union expressed shock and disapproval, calling the proposed exchange contrary to their stewardship of the park.
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, condemned the administration for pursuing the plan despite previous court rulings that rejected similar proposals. He pointed out that past attempts to develop roads through the park were blocked under the administrations of former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. A prior legal challenge filed by a former owner of the private parcel failed in both lower and appellate courts.
Kingsbarn CEO Jeff Pori has ties to individuals close to President Trump and has made financial contributions to Republican-aligned political committees, according to campaign finance records. The company’s connections have fueled criticism of possible political motivations behind the proposal.
Yosemite National Park, established in 1864 in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is internationally known for its iconic granite cliffs, glaciers, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and diverse wildlife. The potential transfer of park land to private interests raises concerns among advocates dedicated to preserving its natural and cultural heritage.