Incline Village officials and private donors have established a $147,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of individuals responsible for poisoning 28 trees at Burnt Cedar Beach since 2022. The Incline Village General Improvement District contributed $25,000, while a group of private donors, Friends of Burnt Cedar Beach, provided the remaining $122,000.
The attacks have escalated in 2024, with 16 trees—13 Jeffrey pines and three white firs—poisoned in three separate incidents between May and early August. At least 10 trees have died, including specimens over a century old. Arborist Sam Gough noted signs of stress such as brown needles, though the full impact of the poisoning may take months to assess.
The reward announcement follows an investigation that yielded no actionable leads, according to Chris Nolet, a retired CPA and consultant who organized the private donors. “My feeling is, we’ve got to try something different,” Nolet stated. “And money talks.” The district has also installed additional cameras around the affected trees in response to the incidents.
The poisonings involve drilling holes near the roots of conifers and injecting a chemical substance. The targeted trees are part of a residents-only beach area managed by the district. Officials have not disclosed the specific chemical used or the motivation behind the attacks.
The ecological and aesthetic value of the trees has been emphasized by community members. Nolet described the poisonings as “the most appalling, selfish thing that anyone could do, especially for trees that are irreplaceable.” The district’s arborist confirmed that some surviving trees show visible damage, though long-term survival remains uncertain.
Investigators have not publicly identified suspects or motives. The reward is active as of the announcement date, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.