Department of the Interior and the company’s legal representation. The proposed transaction involves Nevada-based Kingsbarn Realty Capital, which owns an 83-acre parcel known as Hazel Green Ranch near the western boundary of Yosemite.
Proposed Land Exchange Details and Developer Plans
The National Park Service has held discussions regarding a land exchange to allow Kingsbarn Realty Capital to construct an access road measuring under a mile to connect with a park entrance, according to a statement from Lanny Davis, an attorney representing the company. Under the terms of the proposal obtained by NOTUS, Kingsbarn would purchase land of equivalent value elsewhere in California and transfer ownership to the National Park Service. An Interior Department spokesperson confirmed that no final decision has been reached regarding the potential exchange. The spokesperson stated that any land swap or access proposal involving National Park Service lands remains subject to all applicable federal laws, regulations, and departmental policies, including mandatory environmental review and public notification processes.
Legal History and Opposition From Former Officials
The property’s previous owner previously pursued easement rights in federal court over roads leading toward Yosemite, but a federal appeals court affirmed the dismissal of those claims in 2012. Don Neubacher, who served as Yosemite National Park’s superintendent until his retirement in 2016 after a 36-year career with the National Park Service, voiced strong opposition to the current proposal. Neubacher stated that transferring public lands to other entities is improper and noted that proponents had sought congressional approval for a similar effort last year, which Congress rejected. Neubacher expressed concern over potential impacts on wildlife and park resources, noting that the area provides habitat for Pacific fishers and great gray owls.
Political Reactions and Campaign Contributions
Environmental organizations and California lawmakers have criticized the proposal. The Sierra Club characterized the plan as a corrupt back-room deal that breaks with commitments to protect Yosemite for the public good. The National Parks Conservation Association stated that the proposal attempts to dismantle conservation legacies and represents an unlawful action. California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla also criticized the plan, with Schiff stating that courts struck down the project previously and that officials will fight the new attempt, while Padilla posted on social media that Yosemite is not for sale. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that his office is monitoring the situation. Federal disclosures analyzed by NOTUS and CNBC show that Jeff Pori, the CEO of Kingsbarn, made regular, mostly small-dollar contributions to Donald Trump’s campaign committee between 2024 and 2025, with no recorded history of national political donations prior to October 2024. CNBC reported finding no evidence that Pori’s political contributions influenced the administration’s consideration of the proposal.
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