California lawmakers oppose federal land swap for Yosemite access road
A coalition of state legislators is urging the Interior Department to reject a proposed land exchange that would allow a private developer to build a short access road into Yosemite National Park.
A group of 61 California legislators has asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to block a federal land-swap proposal that would give Nevada-based Kingsbarn Realty Capital a half-mile road connecting its Hazel Green property to Yosemite’s highway network. The developers argue the road would shorten trips, reduce vehicle emissions and improve safety, citing a six-month collaboration with National Park Service staff on an environmentally-focused access plan.
Assemblymember Greg Wallis, who introduced the request, said the swap would benefit a private developer at the expense of public land and could set a precedent for future development near protected areas.
Yosemite, which receives more than four million visitors annually, already experiences significant congestion at its entrances and within the park. Neal Desai, senior program director for the National Parks Conservation Association, noted that visitors often wait hours to enter and then spend additional time searching for parking.
Kingsbarn, which bought the 83-acre Hazel Green parcel in February, intends to develop short-term rentals and a tourist lodge on the site, though detailed plans have not been released. Any agreement would still be subject to comprehensive environmental review and public comment.