One of the world’s oldest living plants has received a major new layer of protection in Southern California — a hopeful reminder that even fast-growing communities can still make room for irreplaceable natural and cultural landmarks.
After years of debate in Jurupa Valley, a revised agreement tied to the sprawling Rio Vista development project will leave nearly 55 acres around an ancient Palmer’s oak as protected open space, SFGate reported.
The updated plan also shifts the project’s closest edge from about 450 feet to 1,000 feet away, creating a much larger buffer between the remarkable plant and future construction…