In The News – $147k reward and new details in tree poisoning case—’Trees could regrow, but we won’t be here for that’
September 18, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 9/18/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh
Friday morning, in front of a playground surrounded by caution-taped trees, a cohort announced a $147,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and prosecution of whoever is responsible for the poisoning of 28 trees at Burnt Cedar Beach.
“It’s a little disheartening to realize that somebody has done something that can’t be repaired,” Sam Gough, IVGID arborist, said. “In 150 years, new trees could regrow, but we won’t be here for that.”
The reward comes from the efforts of a group of private donors, called the Friends of Burnt Cedar Beach, who pulled together $122,000, as well as Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), which provided $25,000.