Trees have been removed as part of the I-90 construction driving westbound from Coeur d'Alene.
Posted on 10/04/2025 8:07:34 AM PDT by ProtectOurFreedom
After returning from a recent trip, Hayden resident Constance Walters was disheartened to see that many trees along Interstate 90 had been cut down and removed. Walters reached out to The Press on Sunday, expressing sadness over the loss. “Until last week, driving into town was stunning, speaking volumes about the beauty that the city embraced,” Walters said.
Idaho Transportation Department spokesperson Heather McDaniel said the tree removal has been immediately noticeable to anyone driving I-90 west of Coeur d’Alene and has elicited strong responses from the community.
All of the trees within ITD’s existing right of way, including the median and shoulders, are being removed as part of preparing for the interstate expansion.
Some trees will be preserved and avoid being felled around the Huetter rest area.
There are two main reasons for the removal, according to McDaniel.
ITD needs to create the space necessary to add capacity to the interstate.
“One silver lining is that the project is being built almost entirely within ITD’s existing right of way, which means we can expand the highway with minimal impact to adjacent property owners,” McDaniel said. “Unfortunately, the tradeoff is the removal of trees in those areas that people have grown attached to over the years.”
The second factor cited for felling the trees is safety issues. “Trees of this size and proximity to the highway can pose risks to drivers, especially in severe weather if they fall into the roadway,” McDaniel said.
The trees may block sunlight from reaching the pavement, creating shady spots where patchy black ice can form in winter.
McDaniel also noted a highway-oriented version of Murphy’s Law was part of the decision. “Any fixed object, whether it’s a tree, sign or light pole, tends to become a target for vehicles that lose control and leave the roadway,” McDaniel said.
Trees have been removed as part of the I-90 construction driving westbound from Coeur d'Alene.
That was also the motivation for Hitler to build the Autobahn in the 1930s.
In a related story, all of the Spotted Owls living in those cut down trees were relocated to several abandoned Kmart Signs.
If successful, grants will be sought to create a Spotted Owl Kmart Sign Sanctuary. They will work to create unique Kmart signs with ready-made nooks and crannies for better Spotted Owl nesting.
Yo lorax!
You may want to know that as of this moment of time there are more TREES in on this world then have been in the last 2000 years or so.
We plant trees, we farm trees. Trees are a sustainable renewable resource. The trees being cut down do they reduce car emissions or do they esasabrate them? Some species of plants (trees) have been found to be problematic in that area.
Black ice in shade is a known and deadly hazard but what the hell lets just leave it out there. Keep the trees, ban anyone else form moving there, put up gates and create a statewide “hoa” so all your ho’s and a’s are happy.
Also if you haven’t heard there’s a new strain of covid out there you better go home and lock the door and get ready for the end whines.....
Some trees will be preserved and avoid being felled around the Huetter rest area.
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If those trees’ roots are driven over, the ground is compressed and the oxygen cannot get to them. Those trees die.
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe, and saw
Only after seeing the Autobahn in Germany.
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