POST FALLS, Idaho — The Ponderosa pines that welcomed visitors into Coeur d'Alene from the west now lie on the side of Interstate 90.

Crews have cut down the trees, pulled roots and stripped branches along the I-90 median from State Highway 41 to the exit onto Northwest Boulevard. The once-lush median now stands bare.

The work is part of a project to expand I-90 by adding two more lanes in both directions. Instead of widening the highway's footprint, crews are building inward into the median.

Many residents are not happy with the change. The tree removal has sparked conversations in online groups.

"I hate it," wrote Jill on Facebook. Michelle said she's "really upset they were removed." Jackie asked if she could have the limbs for her goats to eat.

Mackenzie said she doesn't think the

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