Trees Poisoned at Burnt Cedar Beach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
$147,000 Reward Offered in Burnt Cedar Beach Tree Poisoning Case
A total of 28 trees with an estimated value exceeding $300,000 were targeted in recent incidents.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), together with members of the Incline Village community, have announced a combined $147,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the recent tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach.
The reward commitments include $25,000 from IVGID and $122,000 from a group of private donors known as the Friends of Burnt Cedar Beach.
“IVGID extends its gratitude to the members of the community who have contributed to this effort,” said IVGID General Manager Robert Harrison. “We would also like to thank Chris Nolet, who has organized the community fundraising effort and will administer the funds committed by the Friends of Burnt Cedar Beach.”
Rewards Offered:
Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 328-3001 and reference case number 26-4225. Information must be provided to the WCSO and not to IVGID staff. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Secret Witness by calling (775) 322-4900 or visiting www.secretwitness.com.
The reward commitments offered by IVGID and the Friends of Burnt Cedar Beach are separately funded and administered but share the same goal – the successful prosecution of the person(s) responsible for these crimes. “Successful prosecution,” for the purpose of these rewards, means a conviction, a guilty plea, or a plea of no contest (nolo contendere). Information must be provided by March 31, 2027, and lead to a successful prosecution within two years of the date that it is provided.
Reward eligibility will also be conditional on written confirmation from the prosecutor that the information provided led directly to the arrest and successful prosecution of the perpetrator(s) of the tree poisoning. If multiple sources provide contributing information meeting these requirements, the administrators of the respective reward funds shall determine in their sole discretion how to apportion the reward proceeds among the contributors. In no event will anyone who committed or was an accessory to the tree-poisoning crimes be eligible for any portion of the rewards.
Background:
On May 26, 2026, IVGID staff discovered that four trees had been poisoned with a substance believed to be diesel fuel. On July 23, staff discovered evidence that two more trees had been poisoned; and on August 2, staff discovered that an additional 10 trees had been similarly targeted.
IVGID’s Grounds Department, in consultation with expert arborists, has worked to mitigate the damage to the trees with the goal of saving them if possible.
These are the latest in a series of tree-poisoning incidents at Burnt Cedar Beach. Six trees were poisoned in 2022, followed by six additional trees in 2024. Including the recent incidents this spring and summer, a total of 28 trees have been targeted at the property. The estimated value of the 28 recently poisoned trees exceeds $300,000.
About the Incline Village General Improvement District
The Incline Village General Improvement District, commonly referred to as IVGID, is a fiscally responsible community partner which provides superior utility services, community-oriented recreation programs and facilities. With a passion for quality of life and our environment, IVGID strives to enhance the reputation of the community as an excellent place to live, work, recreate, visit and invest. For more information about IVGID, please call (775) 832-1100 or visit www.ivgid.org.
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Click here for The Washoe Country Sheriff’s Office Statement
August 12, 2026 update: IVGID Staff provided an update to the IVGID Board of Trustees at their Aug. 12, 2026 meeting which detailed some of the steps taken to date.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 3, 2026
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) is aware of recent attempts to destroy trees at Burnt Cedar Beach. The District is working in close collaboration with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) on its investigation into this matter. This afternoon the WCSO released a statement, which is available here. Residents are encouraged to contact the WCSO with information that may be pertinent.
The District recognizes the value of these trees to the community and is resolved to work with law enforcement to hold accountable those responsible for attempting to destroy them. In addition, the District is working with environmental specialists to assess and mitigate the effects on the trees and surrounding soil. Measures to prevent similar conduct are also underway.
The Burnt Cedar Beach will remain open as there is no immediate threat to the health and welfare of beachgoers.
About the Incline Village General Improvement District
The Incline Village General Improvement District, commonly referred to as IVGID, is a fiscally responsible community partner which provides superior utility services, community-oriented recreation programs and facilities. With a passion for quality of life and our environment, IVGID strives to enhance the reputation of the community as an excellent place to live, work, recreate, visit and invest. For more information about IVGID, please call (775) 832-1100 or visit www.ivgid.org.
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