Trees intentionally poisoned on Lake Tahoe beach, officials say
Authorities discovered a strong-smelling odor thought to be poison.
Authorities are investigating a series of intentional tree poisonings on a beach on Lake Tahoe that have impacted multiple trees over the past two weeks, according to officials.
Deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff's Department discovered a strong-smelling substance thought to be tree poison around the bases of multiple trees on Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village, Nevada, on Sunday, according to a Washoe County press release.
The incident was not the first on Burnt Cedar Beach. On July 24, authorities responded to a report of a strong odor coming from the base of a large pine tree that was consistent with previous tree poisoning incidents on the property, the release said.
"The deliberate destruction of these trees is deeply troubling and represents a significant loss for the entire community," Darin Balaam, Washoe County Sheriff, said. "We are taking these repeated incidents seriously and asking anyone with information to come forward so the person responsible can be identified and held accountable."
Since 2022, investigators have documented multiple cases of substances being poured onto the bases of trees or into holes drilled at the trees' roots at this beach, according to police.
Authorities said they believe the latest incident occurred sometime between 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1 and 5 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. Investigators saw a brief light on trail cameras at about 2 a.m. on Sunday and are continuing to investigate video evidence in the area, according to the press release.
Burnt Cedar Beach is a restricted-access beach open only to eligible residents of Incline Village, Nevada and their guests.
Anyone who has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
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