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Tahoe Hotel Owner Accused Of Illegally Removing Pine Trees, Fined $40K

RENO, Nev. (AP) - A Lake Tahoe hotel owner has been fined $40,000 for the unauthorized removal of four mature pine trees to enhance the resort's lake views.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board last week approved a settlement agreement with James Demetriades, owner of the Landing Resort and Spa in South Lake Tahoe, California.

The deal also requires Demetriadres to plant four mature Jeffrey pines in "similar locations" where the trees were cut down.

He didn't immediately return a phone call Saturday.

TRPA spokesman Thomas Lotshaw says trees play a critical role in helping the agency meet its environmental goals, and property owners must obtain permits to cut down any tree that is at least 14 inches in diameter at breast height.

The four Jeffrey and lodgepole pines removed ranged from 14 to 24 inches in diameter at that height.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

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