The Jurupa Oak, one of the world's oldest living organisms, estimated to be 13,000 to 18,000 years old, is at risk from a proposed development in Jurupa Valley, California. This ancient tree, which spans 90 feet long and 30 feet wide, primarily exists underground and has survived since the last ice age.
The city’s Planning Commission is considering a 1.4-square-mile project with a business park, 1,700 homes, and an elementary school. Buildings in this development would be just a few hundred feet from the ancient tree, raising concerns among environmentalists and locals.
"We need to be sure that we’re not going to cause harm to this plant," said Aaron Echols of the California Native Plant Society. Identified in the 1990s and aged by UC-Davis researchers in 2009, the oak is a clonal organism regenerating through shoots from its ancient root system.
The developer, Richland Communities, has promised to protect the tree with a 200-foot buffer zone and an endowment for its care. However, environmentalists argue that more protection is needed to mitigate potential harm from increased vehicle traffic and urban heat.
The Planning Commission will vote on July 10 to approve or reject the project, deciding the future of the Jurupa Oak. This decision could impact the tree's survival, which has become a symbol of endurance amidst environmental challenges.
