COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — 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 avoi

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