Vandal chops down dozens of trees in Colorado Springs

The city parks, recreation and cultural services department is trying to find a vandal who has chopped down dozens of trees in Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

At least 30 trees have been cut down over the last six months.

Scott Abbott, Colorado Springs Regional Parks Supervisor, said the vandalism began with smaller trees and eventually involved large trees. A park ranger found a 20-foot ponderosa pine chopped down on Wednesday.

The 789-acre city park has become a favorite hiking destination for many locals.

“There’ s miles and miles of hiking. I can come out here three or four hours a day and I find new trails all the time,” hiker Chris Carey said. “I can’t believe why anybody would want to come around just to chop a tree down. That doesn’t make any sense.”

Abbott said the vandal does not appear to steal trees after chopping them down.

Hikers said the vandalism is surprising, and they hope police catch a suspect.

“I can’t believe that we have such a jewel that is right here in the midst of our community, and it belongs to us.”Joan Schulz said. She walks her dogs in the park several times a week. “It makes me very sad, and I wish that someone didn’t feel like that’s what they needed to do for their entertainment.”

Chopping down trees in Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a felony. If you have any information about the vandalism, contact Colorado Springs Police at 444-7000.