Administration weighing land swap that would give a parcel of Yosemite to a private developer seeking a road

# What's being proposed Federal officials are reportedly considering a land swap that would transfer a small parcel of Yosemite National Park to a private developer, Kingsbarn Realty Capital. In exchange, the developer would give land of equal value outside the park. Kingsbarn owns an 83-acre parcel adjacent to Yosemite and wants a private road that would connect that land to an interior park road.

# Who is involved Kingsbarn Realty Capital: Nevada-based company owning the 83-acre parcel next to Yosemite and seeking a private access road into the park. Department of the Interior: Has said no final decision has been made on the reported land exchange. Don Neubacher: Former Yosemite superintendent (36 years with the National Park Service, retired 2016) who opposes the swap and describes it as likely illegal.

# Legal and political context

# Environmental and park-resource concerns Former superintendent Don Neubacher described the specific area under discussion as ecologically sensitive. He singled out Pacific fishers and great gray owls as species present in that landscape and expressed concern that additional development and a private road would disturb wildlife and park resources. Neubacher also noted that Yosemite already receives about five million visitors annually, suggesting existing pressures on the park's natural areas.

# What opponents say

# Official responses so far Interior has publicly said there is no final decision on the reported land swap. President Donald Trump had not commented publicly on the reported plan at the time of reporting. California's senators issued statements opposing the move, with references to prior court decisions and public opposition. The state attorney general's office said it is monitoring developments.

# What to watch next

• Any formal Interior Department proposal or announcement outlining the terms of a land exchange.
• Legal filings or challenges that could arise if a proposal is finalized.

# Bottom line A reported plan to swap a portion of Yosemite National Park for land elsewhere would enable a private road into adjacent development. The idea has generated immediate political and environmental opposition and has previously encountered congressional and court resistance. Interior officials say no final decision has been made.