<p>MADISON, Wis. — Police who were <a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-stumped-theft-rare-tree-wisconsin-a70237c81b933fdde01a0a41e5b97432">stumped by the theft of a rare pine tree</a> in November from the University of Wisconsin Arboretum said Friday that they have cracked the case.</p>
<p>UW-Madison police said three 19-year-old university students stole the tree as part of a “pledge” activity for the former Chi Phi fraternity, which hasn’t been recognized as an official student organization since 2015.</p>
<p>Police said they acted on a tip, and that the three admitted to purchasing a chainsaw, renting a U-Haul and stealing the 25-foot Algonquin Pillar Swiss Mountain pine. The stolen tree was about 30 yards (30 meters) from a street that runs through the arboretum, which is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and nature lovers.</p>
<p>The tree was planted in 1988 and its theft drew widespread attention.</p>
<p>After learning how rare the tree was, and that police were investigating, the students destroyed it and disposed of it outside of the city, university police said.</p>
<p>Each of the students was cited for removing the tree, which is punishable by a $200 fine. </p>
<p>A university spokesman had no immediate comment on whether the students would also face discipline from UW for the theft.</p>
