Washoe County Probes Poisoning of 28 Lake Tahoe Pines, With $300,000 in Damage
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 6
Washoe County Probes Poisoning of 28 Lake Tahoe Pines, With $300,000 in Damage
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 6
Summary
Sixteen pine trees were damaged this year at Burnt Cedar Beach, bringing the total to 28 trees poisoned across three incidents since 2022, Washoe County said.
Deputies found a strong-smelling substance around multiple tree bases Sunday, after a July 24 report of a similar odor at a large pine tree matched earlier cases.
Investigators collected soil samples to identify the substance and whether the same poison was used each time; trail cameras also captured a brief light around 2 a.m. Sunday.
Burnt Cedar Beach is restricted to Incline Village residents and guests, narrowing the setting as authorities pursue leads; felony charges are possible because losses are estimated at $300,000.
Secret Witness has offered a $1,000 reward, underscoring officials' view that the repeated poisonings have become a significant community loss.