A Tree-Poisoning Mystery Is Rattling Locals in This Lake Community Surrounded By Luxury Homes

The upmarket town of Incline Village, NV, sits on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, and is home to an increasing number of billionaires who enjoy beautiful views and Nevada’s lower taxes.It’s also the site of an ongoing mystery: Who’s poisoning the pine trees?Earlier this month, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a series of intentional tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar Beach, a private beach accessible only to residents of the area. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the person or persons responsible could face felony-level charges—and these acts of violence against the area’s natural beauty have locals questioning their neighbors. A years-long effort to take down the treesTwice over the last several weeks, Washoe County deputies were called to Burnt Cedar Beach regarding a “strong odor” discovered near the base of some of the area’s large pine trees. Someone had poured an unidentified substance around the roots of multiple trees, and some trees had holes drilled into their roots. The most recent incident may have taken place in the early morning hours of Aug. 2; a trail camera reportedly captured a brief light near the area around 2 a.m. local time. Law enforcement ...