Reward Being Offered In Tree Attacks

Signs are posted all over Inwood Hill Park after the Parks Department said its employees discovered 17 trees chopped down and left to rot across the 200-acre park.

"We have serial tree killer operating in Inwood Hill Park. Right around this time last year somebody killed 35 red cedar trees, obviously deliberately. Now we've got another 17 over the last week or so," said Parks Department Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

Among the damaged trees -- pines, sugar maples, and young tulip.

"I think it's stupid cause this is a great resource here. I mean we have eagles, possums, raccoons, skunks and to ruin it is stupid," said Anthony Lagonigro, an Inwood resident.

The damaged trees were found mostly along walking paths remotely located in the huge park. Residents say the attacks must have taken place in the middle of the night because many who frequent the park and enjoy its paths say they would have noticed someone cutting down the trees.