The Ackerson Meadow Land Interchange Act Approved by House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. - The Ackerson Meadow Land Interchange Act, H.R. 8454, has passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote. The legislation by Congressman McClintock, H.R. 8454, has companion legislation in the Senate authored by Senator Padilla, S. 288.

The legislation addresses a familiar problem in federal land management in the Sierra Nevada: the checkerboard of boundary lines that makes land management disjointed and inefficient. The legislation consolidates land jurisdictions between the National Park System and the National Forest System and will help to eliminate confusion caused by split jurisdiction.

"Jurisdictional boundaries should not stand in the way of effective land management. H.R. 8454 transfers administrative jurisdiction over federal parcels in Ackerson Meadow, helping establish a more logical and efficient approach to managing and restoring this vital ecosystem," remarked House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman. "I commend Rep. McClintock for pursuing a targeted solution that improves government efficiency and advances responsible land management in California."

Congressman McClintock delivered the following remarks today on the House floor in support of the legislation:

H.R. 8454

Ackerson Meadow Land Interchange Act

September 14, 2026

Mr. Speaker:

The Ackerson Meadow Land Interchange Act is a simple proposal to transfer administrative jurisdiction over approximately 160 acres of National Forest System land to Yosemite National Park. It would also transfer approximately 170 acres of National Park System land to be a part of the Stanislaus National Forest.

Senator Padilla is carrying identical legislation in the Senate. We don't agree on much, but we certainly agree on this.

This legislation addresses a familiar problem in federal land management in the Sierra Nevada: the checkerboard of boundary lines that makes land management disjointed and inefficient. This bill simply consolidates land jurisdictions between the National Park System and the National Forest System, without increasing the federal footprint.

At issue is the Ackerson Meadow. This meadow supports livestock grazing operations that have been part of the history and economy of the region. These operations are essential for brush control and fire suppression, maintaining meadow conditions and sustaining the rural economy that depends on the productive use of these lands.

Federal agencies, conservation organizations, and local ranchers have worked together to improve the meadow while maintaining grazing opportunities. Restoration projects have improved wetland conditions, enhanced water storage, improved habitat, and supported continued public uses, including grazing.

The proposed land exchange would make that cooperative approach easier by eliminating the confusion caused by split jurisdiction. Ranchers need to know where their permits apply, where infrastructure can be maintained, and who is responsible for decisions affecting their operations.

The bill also protects existing rights and authorizations. It specifically provides that valid existing rights, including rights-of-way, easements, leases, licenses, and permits, remain protected after the transfer. This ensures that current users, including grazing permit holders, are not unfairly disrupted by a change in administrative jurisdiction.

It also appropriately maintains federal responsibilities for hazardous substance cleanup and other obligations.

This bill reflects a principle that should guide federal land policy, management decisions should be based on the realities of the landscape, not simply the boundaries drawn on a map decades ago.

Our national forests and parks serve many purposes. They preserve wildlife habitat, protect watersheds, provide recreation, and support rural economies. A balanced approach recognizes all of these values.

I urge adoption of this measure and yield back the balance of my time.

# # #