INCLINE VILLAGE

The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees took action Aug. 12 on several issues affecting Incline Village and Crystal Bay, including new security measures at Burnt Cedar Beach, a 10-year solid waste agreement, environmental remediation efforts, and upgrades to district technology and infrastructure.

Public comment also brought renewed concerns about IVGID’s response to the recent tree poisonings at Burnt Cedar.

IVGID is adding cameras, nighttime security, and potentially a $25,000 reward at Burnt Cedar. Following another deliberate poisoning of mature trees at Burnt Cedar Beach, trustees directed staff to purchase a monitored camera system estimated at $40,000 to $45,000. Nighttime security will remain in place until the system is operational. The board also supported offering up to a $25,000 reward for information leading to prosecution, pending legal review.

The most extensive discussion of the evening centered on the deliberate poisoning of mature trees at Burnt Cedar Beach and what IVGID is doing to save them, protect the surrounding environment, and prevent another incident.

Staff reported that contaminated soil has been removed from around the affected trees, including soil approximately 12 inches deep in some areas. A vacuum truck was brought in on Aug. 3 to remove additional contaminated material at a cost of approximately $8,400.

IVGID has also consulted with an expert arborist to develop short- and long-term treatment recommendations. Staff indicated that it is too early to know if the trees will survive.

IVGID is also continuing to test nearby water for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, to determine whether contamination is moving beyond the affected area. Testing is currently expected to occur approximately monthly, with additional sampling following significant rainfall when appropriate.

Several residents used public comment to press the district for a stronger response.

~ Incline Together press release