[REVISION HISTORY]
Investigation into Lake Tahoe tree poisonings continues
Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
What changed
2026-08-07 21:00 UTC → 2026-08-18 20:57 UTC ·
added
removed
Investigation into Lake Tahoe tree poisoning investigation poisonings continues
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has been probing a series of continues to investigate the deliberate poisonings poisoning of pine trees at Burnt Cedar Beach on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The incidents date back to in Incline Village, Nevada. Since 2022, when 12 a total of 28 trees were poisoned, have been affected, including 12 in 2022, 16 in 2024, and continued with 16 more trees discovered damaged in 2024. 2026. The destruction of these trees, some over a century old, has resulted in an estimated $300,000 in damages. In early August 2026, deputies responded to reports of a strong odor at the base of a tree, collected soil samples that confirmed tree. Investigators determined the same unknown toxic substance used in earlier cases, was likely applied between the morning of August 1 and identified additional trees harmed on the early morning of August 2. By early August, The method of destruction involved drilling holes near the total count roots and pouring chemicals inside. Sheriff Darin Balaam described the acts as “deeply troubling” and a “significant loss for the entire community.” Because the beach is located within an upscale, gated community, investigators are exploring potential motives related to property values. Lt. Chad McKinnon stated, “My gut instinct tells me this is someone that lives nearby that is trying to improve the value of damaged trees reached 28, with 16 trees affected in 2026 alone. their home... to help improve the lake view to get more money.” While trail-camera footage captured a light near the site around 2 a.m. during the latest incident, no suspects have been identified. Authorities have released trail‑camera footage, warned noted that suspects could face felony charges, and announced a $1,000 reward is available for information leading to an arrest. No suspect has been identified, and officials continue to urge community members to come forward with any leads.
Versions
- 2026-08-18 20:57 UTC Investigation into Lake Tahoe tree poisonings continues
- 2026-08-07 21:00 UTC Lake Tahoe tree poisoning investigation
Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.