Some tracks being removed along Rock Island Trail

I enjoy walking along the Rock Island trail near where the old railroad bed is. I reminisce about how the train used to take passengers to our city. Recently I noticed that the rails are being dismantled on the trail section west of Powers. My questions are why are these rails being removed, who approved it and who's paying for it?
— Robert Veghte

Reader Darlene Hultquist also wrote in about the rails saying “the trail got its name from the railroad and the tracks were part of the trail. It's such a disappointment to see them removed.” After biking the trail Rod Rockwell e-mailed, “Another piece of Colorado Springs history falls to the wrecking ball.”

ANSWER: Here’s the answer from Chris Lieber, who manages trails and open space for the city parks department. The city is purchasing the property but the railroad tracks are owned by Colorado Springs and Eastern Railroad, which is salvaging them. “This does not involve city dollars,” Lieber said. “At three points where the trail crosses the railroad tracks, these sections of track will be retained for their historical value, to kind of always help people recall the historical significance of the railroad,” Lieber said.

Lou Carpenter of Manitou Springs wrote: "I would suggest Robert Veghte take his hike west of Powers Blvd. along the Rock Island Trail. He will find several places where the railroad crosses the trail and shows exactly how it was. I ride the trail from the Bon Shopping Center to Powers Blvd. and back, often. It is delightful and also pleasant to note that none of the work was done at taxpayer expense. We can give a big Thank You to the Trails and Open Space folks for this delightful experience."