To provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of California, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8454
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-01: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-03T08:06:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 8454: Transfer of Administrative Jurisdiction Over Certain Federal Land in California
Purpose
This bill aims to swap administrative control of two small parcels of federal land in Tuolumne County, California, between the U.S. Forest Service (part of the Department of Agriculture) and the National Park Service (part of the Department of the Interior). Specifically, it transfers about 160 acres from the Stanislaus National Forest to Yosemite National Park and about 170 acres from Yosemite to the Stanislaus National Forest to improve land management alignment.
Key Provisions
- Land Transfers:
- From Forest Service to Park Service: Approximately 160 acres in the Stanislaus National Forest (described as specific sections in T.1 S., R.19 E., Mount Diablo Meridian) become part of Yosemite National Park and must follow National Park System laws.
- From Park Service to Forest Service: Approximately 170 acres in Yosemite National Park (specific sections near Road 1S25) become part of the Stanislaus National Forest and must follow National Forest System laws.
- Lands are depicted on the map "Ackerson Meadow Land Interchange" dated February 24, 2022.
- Adjustments: The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior can agree on minor boundary fixes (e.g., survey corrections), effective upon Federal Register notice.
- Hazardous Substances: Each agency must identify known contamination sites on the transferred lands and notify the receiving agency. The original agency stays responsible for any cleanup costs and liabilities.
- Existing Rights: Valid rights, permits, easements, leases, or licenses remain unchanged; the new managing agency takes over administration.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- No broad changes to statutes; this is a targeted administrative transfer between agencies.
- Shifts management authority for these parcels, applying park protection rules to former forest land and forest multiple-use rules (e.g., timber, recreation) to former park land.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Streamlines management for the National Park Service (enhanced Yosemite boundary protection) and Forest Service (expanded Stanislaus National Forest flexibility). Minor administrative workload for notifications and adjustments.
- Citizens: Local residents and visitors in Tuolumne County may see improved resource protection in the park parcel and continued recreational/timber access in the forest parcel. No direct costs or taxes imposed.
- International Relations: None.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Forest Service (Department of Agriculture): Loses 160 acres but gains 170 acres.
- National Park Service (Department of the Interior): Gains 160 acres for Yosemite but loses 170 acres.
- Local Communities: Tuolumne County residents, businesses, and recreation users near Ackerson Meadow.
- Permit Holders/Users: Those with existing rights on the lands (e.g., grazing, mining claims) transition to new agency oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Upholds existing rights and liabilities, minimizing disputes. Uses standard federal land transfer mechanisms (e.g., Federal Register for adjustments).
- Constitutional: No issues; Congress has plenary authority over federal lands.
- Political: Bipartisan land management tool; introduced by Rep. McClintock (R-CA) and referred to House Natural Resources Committee. Could set precedent for boundary swaps to optimize agency missions without monetary exchange.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-01: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of California, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (4 pages)