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recent agreement has been reached in an Inland Empire city, which involves the protection of an ancient tree known as the Jurupa Oak. This tree is believed to be over 13,000 years old, based on studies conducted by the University of California-Riverside. As part of the agreement, a native tribe known as the Kizh Nation of the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians will receive 30 acres of land for the preservation and protection of the tree.

    The development plan, proposed by Irvine-based Richland Communities, involves the construction of almost 1,700 homes and a light industrial park about one-tenth of a mile away from the Jurupa Oak. Despite objections from some environmental groups over potential damages to the tree, the project was approved by the Jurupa Valley City Council with a vote of 3-2.

    Brian Hardy, a representative of Richland Communities, has stated that the new agreement will provide better protection for the tree than the previously approved project. The company has always been committed to preserving the Jurupa Oak, according to Hardy.

    The project has faced opposition from environmental groups who are concerned about the potential heat-island effect and disruption to natural water resources that could harm the tree. Despite these concerns, the project has been given the green light to proceed.

    The Jurupa Oak is approximately six feet tall with a network of branches, stems, and roots that spread out over a radius of about 30 feet. The tree's significance has led to ongoing debates about its environmental impact, with no definitive agreement on what the development means for the tree in environmental terms.

    In response to these concerns, a coalition aimed at preserving the tree has urged the City of Jurupa Valley to reduce the industrial portion of the development. This push comes after a recent state law was passed that places new restrictions on warehouses, which are a significant segment of the industrial real estate market in the Inland Empire region.

    Richland Communities was founded in the 1970s by Jack Bray and is currently run by his son, Matt Bray. The company has controlled over 100,000 acres of land worth more than $4 billion, according to its website.