Damage since 2022 has reached an estimated $300,000
Authorities are investigating suspected acts of tree poisoning at Burnt Cedar beach, a restricted-access beach on Lake Tahoe’s northeastern shore. Officials said six trees were damaged in 2022, another six in 2024 and 16 more were discovered this year.
The incidents have damaged 28 trees in total, which officials describe as a connected series. Some of the trees are reportedly more than a century old. The estimated losses are $300,000.
The latest incidents were reported in late July and early August. Deputies responded on July 24 after a strong odor was detected near a large pine tree. Soil collected from the area had an odor consistent with soil from other incidents at the property, according to the Washoe County sheriff’s office.
Officials returned on Aug. 2 after finding more trees with a substance around their bases. Authorities believe the most recent incident occurred between 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 and 5 a.m. on Aug. 2.
Investigators have collected soil samples to determine what substance was used and whether the same substance was involved in each incident. In some cases, authorities found holes drilled near the roots of pine trees in Incline Village.
The office of Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said investigators would use available resources to identify those responsible. “We take these crimes very seriously and will utilize every available resource to identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible,” the office said in a statement.
“The destruction of mature trees in the Tahoe Basin and the environmental damage caused by these deliberate acts are unacceptable,” the sheriff’s office said.
No suspect has been identified or arrested. Authorities said the person or people responsible could face felony-level charges based on the estimated amount of damage.
Incline Village is a mountain town on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The community has recently attracted wealthy residents, including Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who have reportedly purchased homes in the area.