If convicted, Patricia M. Vincent, 58, could face 10 years in prison and a fine upwards of $500,000. She was indicted last week on charges of theft of government property and willingly damaging government property.
Vincent is accused of hiring a tree cutting company last April to remove three ponderosa pines estimated to be 80 to 100 years old from an area of forest land labeled as sensitive by the U.S. Forest Service. The motive was apparently an attempt improve the view from her home in Incline Village, one of the wealthiest developments around Lake Tahoe.
U.S. Attorney Gregory Brower said, “It is important that public lands, which are held in trust for the benefit of all citizens, are appropriately protected by our land management agencies. Individuals who unlawfully encroach on these lands and cause damage will be prosecuted.”
In the bookstore: Pine Trees (books)
On the web: USDA Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest
Tags: forest service, lake tahoe, ponderosa pine, tree cutting
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