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Lake Tahoe beach tree poisonings spark criminal investigation
Washoe County authorities are investigating a series of intentional poisonings that have damaged 28 pine trees on Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village, Nevada. Sixteen trees were harmed in 2026, with six each affected in 2022 and 2024, resulting in an estimated $300,000 in losses.
Deputies discovered a strong‑smelling substance around the tree bases on the weekend of Aug. 1‑2, 2026, and investigators have collected soil samples and reviewed trail‑camera footage. "The deliberate destruction of these trees is deeply troubling and represents a significant loss for the entire community," said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. The suspect(s) could face felony‑level charges, and Secret Witness has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Entities
Burnt Cedar Beach · Darin Balaam · Lake Tahoe · Secret Witness · Washoe County Sheriff's Department
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] 28 pine trees have been impacted by intentional poisonings over three incidents. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Deputies discovered a strong‑smelling substance thought to be poison around the bases of multiple trees on Burnt Cedar Beach. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The person or persons responsible could face felony‑level charges. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sixteen trees were damaged in 2026, six in 2022 and six in 2024. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Investigators have collected soil samples to determine the substance used to poison the trees. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Secret Witness offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the responsible party. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The latest poisoning incident occurred between 11:30 a.m. on Aug 1 and 5 a.m. on Aug 2, 2026. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The estimated total loss from the tree damage is $300,000. abc30.com · abc13.com · abc7.com