In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the approval of industrial and business parks near Roopa Valley, home to one of the oldest living beings on the planet. Community members expressed alarm over the potential environmental impact, questioning whether the economic benefits of such developments are worth the risk to this ancient tree.

One speaker highlighted the staggering figure of 805 truck trips per day anticipated from the proposed parks, emphasizing the potential disruption and harm to the local ecosystem. Critics argued that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Rio Vista project fails to adequately address these concerns, suggesting that it does a disservice to both the community and the environment.

The discussions underscored a growing tension between development and conservation, as residents call for more thorough assessments and consideration of the ecological significance of the area before moving forward with industrial expansion.