$5,000 Reward Offered For Info On Eagan Tree Vandals

EAGAN, MN — The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charging of individuals responsible for the recent damage to trees in Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan.

Many thousands of dollars in damage to these trees was discovered at various locations within the park.

Residents notified authorities after discovering that up to 20 trees had been "girdled," which means that a ring around the tree had been gauged into the bark.

Girdling, also called ring-barking, is a technique used in forestry, horticulture, and, in this case, vandalism, to remove an entire strip of bark from the circumference of a tree.

Areas above the girdle will die over time. Officials say that it's likely the targeted trees will die.

Further investigation led to the discovery of many more damaged trees, according to a news release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at (651) 438-4720.

If you see anyone damaging trees or any other forms of vandalism in any park, officials ask that you call 911.

Attempt to get a good description including a vehicle and license plate number.

Image via USFS Region 5, Flickr, used under Creative Commons