(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — Despite a letter, that was later deemed to be fake by the City of Colorado Springs' Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services (PRCS) department, ornaments are not permitted on the Manitou Incline. The department has been cracking down on keeping the tree at the summit free of any decorations which have become a tradition among hikers. On Monday, Dec. 9, PRCS released a statement about the ornaments and lights on the tree that had to be taken down. While the department said it appreciated the creativity, it was committed to protecting the natural ecosystem. "Outside decorations can harm wildlife and the environment by posing entanglement and ingestion hazards, introducing chemical pollution, contributing to litter, and distracting animals from their natural behaviors," the statement read. "We are in the process of returning all personal items to their respective owners." PRCS also asked the public to respect the Leave No Trace principles which protect wildlife and natural resources. Days later, on Wednesday, Dec. 18, a letter appeared at the tree on the summit and claimed to be from Regional Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Manager Scott S. Abbott. The letter included an apology for taking the ornaments down and they would "no longer be doing so." When FOX21 News reached out to Cassie Melvin, Public Communications Specialist for the City, she said PRCS reported that the letter was fake and did not come from the City or Scott. "We appreciate the community’s understanding of the recent removal of decorations on the tree at the Manitou Incline. The City of Colorado Springs did not post a notice permitting decorations, and we want to reaffirm our commitment to the "Leave No Trace" principles, which guide our efforts to protect our natural resources," PRCS wrote. "As such, we do not allow decorations or lights on the trees. Thank you for doing your part to help preserve the beauty and integrity of our environment."