UPDATED: Vandals Cut Down Trees in Bur Oaks Park

Neighbors and city officials suspect that a homeowner may be responsible for the destruction of hundreds of trees in , according to a WCCO report published Tuesday.

Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson told WCCO the damage totals may be as much as $1,000, and that many of the treees cut down were "fairly mature." City officials suspect the homeowner responsible may have wanted to improve the view of a lake bordering the park, according to WCCO.

Seydell Johnson said it will likely take years for the trees to grow back.

Eagan Police Department spokeswoman Danielle Anselment said police are investigating the incident, but have not yet made any arrests in the case. Any individuals charged in connection to the vandalism could face felony criminal damage to property charges, according to Anselment.

The investigation is complicated by the fact that it is difficult to place a monetary value on a single, mature tree, Anselment said. In Minnesota, a first-degree criminal damage to property charges carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $10,000. But the severity of the charges depend, in part, on the value of the property damaged by the act of vandalism, according to state statute.

"It's tough to put a value on a tree that's been around for 30 years," Anselment said.