“Battle Over Ancient Palmer Oak: Developers vs. Environmentalists in Jurupa Valley”
In Jurupa Valley, California, a Palmer oak estimated to be between 13,000 and 18,000 years old has become the center of a heated development battle. The plant, which resembles a sprawling, dark green shrub, is one of the oldest known plants in the state and the third-oldest in the world.
After a lengthy and contentious public meeting, environmental advocates successfully convinced Inland Empire officials to delay the development of a project that would come within 400 feet of the ancient tree. The Jurupa Valley City Planning Commission voted unanimously to table the vote, requiring developers to conduct further studies on the potential impacts on the oak and explore protective measures. Additionally, the commission requested more information on a plan to transfer ownership of the tree and surrounding land to a local tribe for conservation.
The proposed 370-acre development includes plans for residential housing, an elementary school, a business park, and industrial buildings. While the tree would remain on a 27-acre rocky outcrop, concerns have been raised about the proximity of the development to the plant. Scientists and tribal members consider the oak to be sacred, with indigenous groups such as the Shiishongna Tongva Nation, the Corona Band Of Gabrieleño Indians, and the Kizh Nation, Gabrieleño Band Of Mission Indians viewing the tree as a vital source of medicine, oxygen, and life for animals.
Richland Communities, the company behind the development project, has been in discussions with the City Planning Commission and the public since 2019. The company has made adjustments to the plan, including replacing potential warehouses with light industrial space and a business park, increasing open space, and committing to transferring ownership and conservation responsibilities to a Native tribe or conservation organization.
During the public meeting, Richland Communities announced a preliminary agreement to transfer the land to the Kizh Nation and provide an initial endowment of $250,000 for conservation efforts. However, commissioners have requested more details on the plan’s specifics and how conservation efforts will be legally enforced.
The Palmer oak, which differs from rugged California live oaks in appearance, was first noticed by botanist Mitchell Provance over two decades ago. Researchers determined the tree’s age by collecting samples from dead stems and analyzing its DNA. The grove’s diameter led experts to estimate the tree’s age to be between 13,000 and 18,000 years old.
While Richland Communities has conducted studies on the impact of construction vibrations and potential water sources for the tree, concerns remain about the lack of mapping of the tree’s root system and its direct water source. Additionally, worries have been raised about the urban heat island effect that the proposed development could expose the ancient oak to.
The city has redacted the portion of the environmental impact review discussing the Palmer oak’s exact location due to its sensitive cultural significance to Native tribes. Independent scientists have been unable to scrutinize the report, but the city has expressed a willingness to explore ways to allow select third-party experts to view and discuss the document.
The battle over the development project near the ancient Palmer oak continues as stakeholders work to find a balance between progress and preservation of this unique and sacred natural treasure.