California lawmakers push Trump administration to halt proposed Yosemite land exchange

BERMUDA DUNES, CA (KESQ)- A bipartisan group of 61 California lawmakers, led by Coachella Valley Republican Assemblymember Greg Wallis, is urging the Trump administration to reject a proposed land exchange involving Yosemite National Park and a private developer.

Wallis, R-Bermuda Dunes, said Wednesday that the lawmakers sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum calling for the proposal to be halted.

“61 of California's 118 legislators joined my call to urge Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to halt and reject the proposed Yosemite land exchange benefiting a private developer,” Wallis said.

The proposal involves Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a Nevada-based developer that owns about 83 acres outside Yosemite's western boundary. The company is seeking access through a small portion of park land to connect its property with Highway 120.

Supporters of the exchange say it would not reduce Yosemite's overall acreage. Critics, including California lawmakers, argue that giving a private developer access through national park land could set a troubling precedent and undermine protections for public lands.

The Interior Department has said no final decision has been made and that any exchange would have to comply with federal law and environmental review requirements.

Wallis and the other lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to reject the proposal before it moves forward.