LSN News › India

World · India Bureau

US authorities offer substantial reward to catch Lake Tahoe tree poisoner

Authorities at Lake Tahoe have announced a $147,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of individuals responsible for poisoning 28 trees since 2022. The vandalism campaign has prompted an intensive investigation across the California-Nevada border region.

LSN India · 29 September 2026

US authorities offer substantial reward to catch Lake Tahoe tree poisoner

Lake Tahoe authorities have escalated efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for a systematic poisoning campaign targeting trees in the region. Since 2022, at least 28 trees have been deliberately poisoned, prompting officials to offer a substantial monetary incentive for credible leads.

The $147,000 reward represents one of the largest bounties offered for environmental vandalism in the area, underscoring the seriousness with which investigators are treating the matter. Law enforcement agencies have characterized the incidents as deliberate acts of destruction rather than isolated incidents, suggesting a coordinated effort spanning multiple years.

Authorities have urged members of the public who may possess information about the poisonings to come forward. The investigation involves agencies from both California and Nevada, as Lake Tahoe straddles the state border and encompasses jurisdictions on both sides.

The poisoning campaign has raised concerns about environmental vandalism and the protection of the lake's natural resources. Local officials have emphasized their commitment to preserving the ecosystem while working to bring perpetrators to justice. Investigators have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact authorities, emphasizing the confidentiality of tip submissions.