Overview
- The community and the Incline Village General Improvement District announced the $147,000 reward on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, with private donors contributing $122,000 and IVGID $25,000 to pay for tips that lead to a successful prosecution.
- Investigators say 28 large conifers have been poisoned at Burnt Cedar Beach since 2022 and that this year’s incidents escalated with four trees noted on May 26, two on July 23, and 10 discovered on Aug. 2, 2026.
- Washoe County detectives are treating the cases as criminal poisonings, have collected soil and tree samples, reviewed trail‑camera footage that recorded a flash about 2 a.m. on Aug. 2, and say a suspect could face felony charges if convicted.
- Grounds staff and arborists report perpetrators drilled holes near roots and poured chemicals into or around trunks with past incidents involving diesel fuel and recent holes showing blue granules suspected to be copper sulfate; crews have removed contaminated soil and applied biochar, compost and extra watering to try to save trees.
- Officials estimate losses exceed $300,000 and say the century‑old trees are nearly irreplaceable, the beach remains open with security cameras and monitoring in place, and authorities are asking people to call the sheriff’s office or submit anonymous tips through Secret Witness with the case number for the reward, which requires information to lead to arrest and prosecution.