It’s one of the oldest national parks in the United States, the fifth most visited, and was first put under protection by President Lincoln in 1864. It is the site of indescribable beauty and marvel, with plants and animals you won’t see anywhere else in North America. It has a waterfall of 2,425 feet, making it the tallest on the continent. And now
the President is considering selling part of it off to a real estate developer.
Although Jeff Port of Kingsbarn, the proposed developer, only personally gave a small amount to Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign, the company is one of the nation’s largest developers with 330 properties and $2.88 billion in assets. Port wants to shorten the trip to his new development of 40 “upscale” homes from 28 miles to 11 miles.
Friday’s report by NOTUS, a news outlet reported that talks had been held in secret for over a year. Earlier this year, members of Congress were notified that a land exchange was in the works, but the details were vague, and suggested it was for conservation purposes, but now the truth is out. What will Yosemite lose? What will we lose?
Prayer for the Day
Soaring across the sky, eagles look to you, O God,
And the great grey owl, seeks refuge from greed;
Giant sequoias and small wildflowers crated by you,
Search for protection from developers and politicians.
Turn us back, O Holy One, so we truly honor your creation,
Turn us back from the desire for only money.
In the name of the One who calls us to repent
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
This is the most corrupt administration in history. The Land and Water Conservation Fund exists to acquire land and interests in land in order to safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage — and to provide recreation opportunities for all Americans.
U.S. Sen Alex Padilla D-CA)
Yosemite is kind of a bellwether for the national parks. If this can happen in Yosemite, it can really happen anywhere in the national park system.
Cicely Muldoon, Supervisor Yosemite 2020-2025
In my distress, I cry to the Lord so I may be answered:
“Deliver me, O Lord, rom lying lips, rom a deceitful tongue.”
What shall be given to you? What more shall be done to you, deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree
Psalm 120: 1-4