Yosemite, CA — The Department of the Interior is considering trading a small section of land on Yosemite’s western border to a developer in exchange for yet-to-be-determined other land of equal value in California.
The developer, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, based in Nevada, is hoping to use the property to create an access road to an 83-acre property, known as the Hazel Green Ranch, that it owns. The proposal was originally reported by the new organization NOTUS.
The Interior Department responded to inquiries that no final decision has been made. However, it is drawing early pointed reaction from many organizations and lawmakers.
The Yosemite Conservancy raises money for several Yosemite projects and initiatives. The President and CEO of the conservancy, Cassius M. Cash, says, “We’ve seen the reports about the proposed land swap and, while we don’t yet have details beyond what’s being reported, we encourage everyone who wants a voice in this to participate in the public process as it unfolds.”
Cash adds, “Land transactions involving a national park typically include a period of public notice and comment before anything is finalized. We’ll share what we know as soon as we know it, and we’d encourage anyone following this closely to watch for that opportunity to weigh in”
US Senator Adam Schiff of California is opposed to the proposed land swap, saying, “Yosemite is one of California’s natural wonders. The courts struck this project down once, but this administration appears hell-bent on moving forward. We will fight this again.”
California’s other US Senator, Alex Padilla, added in a short statement, “Yosemite is not for sale.”
