A damaged apple tree, the result of the theft of unripe fruit at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area / NPS file

National Park Law Enforcement is seeking the public’s help in finding the individual or individuals who stole over 190 bushels of unripe apples and pears from the trees at the Tower House Historic District of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California during the week of June 24 - 30, 2024. The removal of the unripe fruit caused the branches to break from many of the trees. In addition, the park’s irrigation system was tampered with, causing the trees to suffer from drought stress.

The orchards at Whiskeytown boast unique varieties of apples including Lady Apple, Green Newton Pippin, and Jonathan. Most of the historic fruit trees were destroyed during the 2018 Carr Fire, but cuttings from the remaining trees were grafted with rootstock in partnership with Humboldt Cider Company and Friends of Redwood Acres and subsequently replanted at Whiskeytown.

Anyone with information or leads about the fruit theft, and tree and irrigation system damage, is encouraged to contact the park’s Law Enforcement Office at 530-242-3431, or go online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip .