Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, who typically steers clear of political topics, has spoken out on the federal government’s reported plans to hand over part of Yosemite National Park to a developer for a private road. Sixx shared his statement in a video posted to Facebook.
In the video, Sixx explains why the issue moved him to break his usual silence, framing it as a matter that transcends partisan politics.
“This isn’t a left or right issue,” Sixx said. “This is simply wrong. We live less than 30 minutes from our national park, and as a family—with our friends—we’ve spent countless adventures there making memories. The same kind of memories families have been making in our national parks for generations, and hopefully will continue making for generations to come.”
He went on to describe what national parks mean to him and to the public at large.
“These places belong to all of us,” Sixx continued. “They’re part of our history, our childhoods, our families and our future. To think that what’s described in this video is happening to our national parks is heartbreaking.”
Sixx closed his statement with a call to set politics aside when it comes to preserving these lands.
“Some things should be bigger than politics,” he said. “Protecting these extraordinary places for our children and their children should be one of them.”
Sixx’s comments carry personal weight given his proximity to the park. They arrive as the underlying land deal draws increasing scrutiny from officials and the public alike.
The proposal at the center of the controversy involves Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a Nevada-based real estate firm that owns roughly 83 acres just outside Yosemite’s western boundary in Mariposa County. The company is seeking a land exchange that would allow it to build an access road connecting that property to one of the park’s main routes, clearing the way for development on the site.
The National Park Service and the Department of the Interior have both confirmed that discussions around the exchange are ongoing. However, they stress that no final decision has been reached. Any agreement would still need to pass through federal environmental review and public-notification requirements before moving forward.
The plan has already drawn pushback beyond Sixx’s statement. California lawmakers have moved to block the proposed road, citing concerns over setting a precedent for private development encroaching on protected federal land.
Sixx’s remarks add a high-profile voice to that growing chorus of opposition. His comments lend fresh public attention to a debate that has largely played out among lawmakers and federal agencies. His statement that “these places belong to all of us” echoes the broader argument made by critics of the deal. Critics see the proposed exchange as a test case for how much private interest should be allowed to shape the future of America’s national parks.
The plan is still under review. Further developments are expected in the coming weeks as the process moves through the required federal channels.
