December 13th 2024.
The holiday season is a time for festive decorations, joy, and community spirit. However, in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, the local parks officials have made the decision to remove Christmas decorations from a tree located at the summit of the Manitou Incline. This decision was made due to concerns about the impact these decorations may have on the local wildlife.
For many years, hikers who completed the challenging mile-long climb up the 2,000 feet hillside near Manitou Springs have adorned the evergreen tree with colorful bulbs, lights, and other festive trinkets. It has become a beloved tradition for visitors to add their own personal touch to the tree during the holiday season. However, the city has recently reminded hikers that city ordinances prohibit littering and causing damage to trees and grass.
In place of the once-decorated tree, visitors will now find a laminated message from the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services. The message explains the potential harm that these decorations can cause to the environment and wildlife. It reminds visitors that ornaments are often made of plastic, which is an environmental toxin, and can become litter when they fly off in the wind. The lights also pose a threat to birds and other wildlife, and can even be a fire hazard.
The city has also taken steps to ensure that any personal items removed from the tree on Monday are returned to their rightful owners. In addition, they have asked the public to refrain from decorating the tree in the future. Instead, they are encouraging people to follow the Leave No Trace principles that help protect the wildlife and natural resources of their beautiful parks. By minimizing their impact on the environment, visitors can help ensure that these parks remain accessible and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
So, while the tree at the top of the Manitou Incline may no longer be adorned with holiday decorations, the holiday spirit and sense of community are still alive and well in Colorado Springs. As a reminder, you can always stay up to date with the latest news and events in Colorado by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter. Let's work together to protect our environment and make this holiday season a truly special one.
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