Lake Tahoe tree poisoning investigation offers $147,000 reward

Authorities and community members have announced a $147,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for poisoning trees at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village, Nevada.

Since 2022, a total of 28 trees have been targeted in three separate incidents. The damage is estimated to be worth approximately $300,000. The reward is funded by the Incline Village General Improvement District, which contributed $25,000, and a private donor group known as the Friends of Burnt Cedar Beach, which provided $122,000.

Investigators from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office have collected soil samples but have not yet identified the substance used. Because of the scale of the damage, those responsible could face felony charges. To be eligible for the reward, information must lead to a successful prosecution, such as a conviction or guilty plea, by March 31, 2027.