Update – August 6, 2026
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is releasing additional information regarding the ongoing investigation into the intentional poisoning of trees at Burnt Cedar Beach.
Investigators have documented 28 affected trees across three incidents in the same area and believe the cases are connected. Six trees were damaged in 2022, another six in 2024, and 16 more were discovered this year, resulting in an estimated $300,000 loss. The affected trees are currently being identified as pine trees.
The substance used to poison the trees has not yet been identified. Soil samples have been collected and submitted for testing to help determine what substance was used and whether the same substance was involved in each incident. Investigators have also confirmed that holes were not drilled near the roots in every case.
Based on the estimated amount of damage, the person or persons responsible could face felony-level charges.
“We take these crimes very seriously and will utilize every available resource to identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “The destruction of mature trees in the Tahoe Basin and the environmental damage caused by these deliberate acts are unacceptable. We ask anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and provide that information to investigators.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 328-3001 and reference case number 26-4225.
Secret Witness has added a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the individual(s) involved. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Secret Witness by calling (775) 322-4900 or visiting www.secretwitness.com.
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Original Release – August 3, 2026
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of intentional tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach after multiple trees were recently found contaminated.
On July 24, 2026, deputies responded to Burnt Cedar Beach after a strong odor was discovered near the base of a large pine tree. Soil samples were collected from the area and had a strong odor consistent with previous tree-poisoning incidents at the property.
Deputies returned to Burnt Cedar Beach on August 2 after additional trees were discovered with a substance around their bases. Investigators believe the most recent incident occurred sometime between approximately 11:30 a.m. on August 1 and 5:00 a.m. on August 2. A trail camera captured a brief light near the area at approximately 2:00 a.m. Deputies are continuing to investigate the incident and are canvassing the area for additional video evidence.
“The deliberate destruction of these trees is deeply troubling and represents a significant loss for the entire community,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “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.”
The recent cases follow similar incidents reported at Burnt Cedar Beach in previous years. Since 2022, investigators have documented multiple cases involving a substance being poured around the bases of trees or placed into holes drilled near their roots.
Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office have been notified and are continuing to investigate.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity at Burnt Cedar Beach between August 1 and August 2, or who has information that may assist investigators, is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 328 – 3001 and reference case number 26-4225.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.
