INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of intentional tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village after multiple trees were found with a substance of strong odor around their base.

The first (recent) incident was discovered on July 24, and a second on Sunday, Aug. 2. The sheriff’s office says these latest occurrences are very similar to incidents reported at Burnt Cedar Beach in prior years.

Since 2022, investigators have documented multiple cases in which a substance has been poured around the bases of trees or placed into holes drilled near their roots. Soil samples were collected from the area and had a strong odor consistent with previous tree-poisoning incidents at the property.

Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

Investigators believe the most recent incident occurred sometime between approximately 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 and 5:00 a.m. on Aug. 2. A trail camera captured a brief light near the area at approximately 2:00 a.m.

Deputies 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.”

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity at Burnt Cedar Beach between Aug. 1 and Aug. 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.

The Tribune will provide updates as the investigation unfolds.