Author: Kristie Wells
<This article has been updated to note there are 16 damaged trees, not 11>
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the intentional damage of multiple mature pine trees at Burnt Cedar Beach, the latest in what residents say has become a recurring pattern of tree vandalism along Incline Village’s lakeshore.
IVGID confirmed the damage and has begun emergency mitigation efforts in an attempt to preserve the affected trees. Crews were removing contaminated soil around many of the trunks Monday, while investigators continued gathering evidence and seeking information from the public.
A visit to Burnt Cedar Beach on Monday evening found 16 mature trees within a concentrated area showing visible signs of damage. Excavation work was underway around many of the trees as IVGID crews continued emergency mitigation efforts.
Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or released details about a motive. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with Ring camera, security camera, or dashcam footage from the Lakeshore Boulevard area during the night of Aug. 1 or the early morning of Aug. 2 to contact investigators at (775) 328-3001 and reference Case No. 26-4225. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Secret Witness.
A Pattern That Extends Beyond This Weekend
For many longtime residents, the incident is especially troubling because it is not believed to be an isolated event.
This is not the first time mature trees at Burnt Cedar Beach have been intentionally damaged. According to IVGID, six trees were poisoned in July 2022 and another six trees were intentionally damaged in 2023, prompting criminal investigations and emergency mitigation efforts. Many of those earlier trees did not survive. [LINK]
While investigators have not publicly linked this weekend’s incident to any previous cases, the similarities have renewed calls for additional security measures and increased public awareness.
Why These Trees Matter
The affected trees are not simply landscaping.
Many of the pines at Burnt Cedar Beach have stood for decades, providing shade, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and defining the character of one of Incline Village’s most popular public beaches. Once mature trees are lost, they cannot simply be replaced. Even newly planted trees require decades to provide the same environmental and aesthetic benefits.
Whether every damaged tree survives remains unknown. IVGID’s ongoing mitigation efforts are intended to improve their chances, but officials have not yet released an assessment of the long-term outlook.
Community Asked to Help
Investigators are asking the public to review any surveillance footage that may have captured vehicles or individuals traveling near Burnt Cedar Beach during the overnight hours before the damage was discovered.
Even information that appears insignificant could help establish a timeline.
Residents who have information are encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office at (775) 328-3001, referencing Case No. 26-4225. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or through its online reporting system.
As the investigation continues, many residents are also asking broader questions about how public natural resources can be better protected from repeated acts of vandalism. Those discussions are expected to continue as more information becomes available.
This remains a developing story. Incline Together will continue following the investigation and provide updates as additional information is released by IVGID and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.