<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Trump administration is pursuing a deal to transfer a small parcel of land in Yosemite National Park to a private company for development, according to a report.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Four individuals familiar with the situation informed NOTUS that the Trump administration has been attempting to arrange a land exchange between the federal government and a Nevada-based company since Spring 2025. This exchange would involve transferring a small section of Yosemite to the private entity. The report noted that this move is unprecedented, as the National Parks have typically aimed to expand their territory rather than reduce it.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Federal regulations stipulate that any land transferred to a private company must be exchanged for land of equivalent value, but this has not previously included National Park land. Additionally, prior deals have not been characterized by the same level of secrecy.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The National Park Service stated that “no final decisions have been made on the matter,” emphasizing that any agreement “would be subject to all applicable federal laws, regulations, and Departmental policies, including required environmental review and public notification processes.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A spokesperson indicated that if a proposal moves forward, the Interior Department would adhere to established procedures to ensure appropriate coordination, transparency, and public involvement, in line with federal law.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">NOTUS reported that National Park Service staff have been meeting with real-estate developer and investment firm Kingsbarn Realty Capital every few weeks at the direction of their superiors. The process has been prolonged due to the unprecedented nature of the plan and the extensive regulations governing such a deal. The requirement for a land exchange of equal value necessitates the appraisal of Yosemite land, which is a complex task.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The origin of the deal is linked to a long-standing plan by Jeff Pori, the CEO of Kingsbarn Realty Capital, to construct a private road connecting his property to a thoroughfare of the park. The proposed deal would involve ceding a quarter-mile strip of the park, marking a departure from established precedent.</p>