Authorities are probing suspected tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village after unknown substances were found around several trees. Deputies first responded on June 24 and recovered soil samples; new contaminations were discovered between Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 and are being tested. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has investigated similar attacks since 2022 but has not identified a suspect or released the substance involved. Investigators ask anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.
Suspected Tree Poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach: Authorities Investigate Multiple Contaminations
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor State Park, with pine trees and mountains, Image 2 shows A person with a backpack carefully steps over fallen tree branches and debris on a trail
Authorities are investigating a series of suspected tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village, Nevada, after unknown substances were found placed around the bases of multiple trees.
Soil samples were collected, and the sheriff's office said investigators determined the odor matched previous tree-poisoning cases. Getty Images
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were first called to the beach on June 24 after a strong, unusual odor was reported at the base of a pine tree. Investigators collected soil samples at that time and determined the smell matched odors from earlier tree-poisoning incidents.
The investigation took another turn on Aug. 2 when additional trees were discovered with an unknown substance around their bases. Getty Images
The probe reopened on Aug. 2 when additional trees were discovered with an unknown material around their trunks. Officials believe the substance was deposited sometime between 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 and 5 a.m. on Aug. 2, and further soil samples have been taken for laboratory testing.
Soil samples were collected, and the sheriff's office said investigators determined the odor matched previous tree-poisoning cases. TNS
Deputies are continuing to search the area for evidence and canvass the beach for witnesses or surveillance footage as they work to identify who is responsible. The sheriff’s office said similar incidents at Burnt Cedar Beach have been reported since 2022, involving materials either poured around tree bases or introduced into tree roots.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Balaam announced that the death penalty will be sought against Nicholas Loving, who is accused of murder in the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Izabella. (X02835) USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
"The deliberate destruction of these trees is deeply troubling and represents a significant loss for the entire community," Sheriff Darin Balaam said in a statement.
Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or disclosed the exact substance found around the trees while testing and analysis continue.
Authorities have not identified a suspect or disclosed what substance was found around the trees. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The investigation comes amid a busy summer at Lake Tahoe that has included other tragedies. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office recently identified a 32-year-old man, Yadessa Aga of Austin, Texas, who was pulled from the lake unresponsive and later died. Officials say Aga had been visiting friends and attending a religious conference prior to the incident.
Investigators at Burnt Cedar Beach urged anyone with information about the tree poisonings to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Tips and footage from nearby businesses or residents could aid the ongoing inquiry.
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