Trump administration considers land swap in Yosemite National Park — The Hill

The Donald Trump administration is considering a land exchange under which a private company could obtain part of Yosemite National Park. The Hill reports, citing a National Park Service document submitted to Congress.

Purpose of the land exchange

The document states that the landowner seeks to connect their property to a National Park Service road in order to facilitate commercial development. The agency said it is working with the landowner on an exchange that would allow the Service to transfer rights to the land.

To do so, the landowner must acquire a parcel within the park or in areas managed by other National Park Service units in California. In U.S. Department of the Interior responses provided to the office of one of the senators and shared with The Hill, the exchange was described as a priority.

Authorities' position and criticism

The Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, said no final decisions have been made. It stated that if the proposal moves forward, the agency will follow established procedures, transparency requirements, coordination and public engagement in accordance with federal law.

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At the same time, the department denied political pressure to achieve a predetermined outcome and claims of an alleged secret transfer of park land to a private developer.

Earlier, NOTUS reported that the land could be transferred to a company managed by the development and investment firm Kingsbarn Realty Capital. Kingsbarn attorney Lanny Davis confirmed to NOTUS that the company is seeking the exchange. According to him, the proposed road is intended to provide residents of the private parcel with access into or out of the park and would not threaten endangered species.

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California criticized the initiative. His office said it is working with the Senate Appropriations Committee to prevent the project from moving forward. A spokesperson for Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley also told The Hill that the senator opposes the exchange. The National Parks Conservation Association also criticized the plan.