Tree removal to begin on Seltice Way

There are many native ponderosa trees in the center median in a natural area. While many trees will be preserved, some will have to be removed for this major project. The need for removal is due to the width and location of the new road, grade changes, and roundabouts. From the design stage, the Urban Forestry Coordinator and Urban Forestry Committee have been involved with this project. Modifications were made in the design to preserve as many trees as possible, including moving the location of the pedestrian/bike trail on the south side of the road.

City staff and its contractors have worked diligently to inform the community of the necessary removal of some trees, including information on that part of the project during each public presentation.

“The City of Coeur d’Alene is proud of its track record on tree preservation and just earned its 33^rd designation as a Tree City USA,” said Deputy City Administrator Sam Taylor. “We’re very appreciative of the work staff has done to ensure we protect as many trees as possible, because we know how much value our natural landscape holds for our community members.”

To ensure protection of numerous trees that will be retained within the natural areas of Seltice, fencing will be placed around the trees for the duration of the project. The fencing is a physical barrier that keeps equipment away and reduces possible impacts. This will prevent damage by equipment, root loss, grade changes, trenching or compaction of soil over the root zone.

There will be landscaping installed near the roundabouts and some new trees planted at those locations. The species selected are native trees to fit in with the surrounding landscape. There may also be an opportunity to plant more native tree and shrub seedlings in the center medians after the project is complete as well. In addition, new street trees will be planted along the Seltice Way frontages when abutting properties are developed through landscaping requirements.

The Seltice Way Revitalization Project is a $5.44 million endeavor to provide for a new streetscape, roundabouts at Grand Mill Lane/Idewild Loop and Atlas Road, bike lanes, shared-use paths as well as upgraded water and wastewater utilities between Huetter Road and Northwest Boulevard. The project is projected to last into the first quarter of 2018 and work is weather dependent.

For more information on this and all other major City public works projects, visit cdaid.org/projects.