Cut Trees Removed Along 95

Last week, according to Payette National Forest Public Affairs Officer Kelly Martin, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) purchased the 1,001 trees that were cut while the slide was being repaired on Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows.

ITD said they had planned to cut down the trees as a public safety measure in the future, but the road closure gave them the opportunity to get the job done earlier.

This past week ITD has been hauling off the downed trees, and drivers between Council and New Meadows have experienced up to 15-minute delays as they worked to remove the trees from the side of the highway.

The Forest Service said the trees belonged to them and people who applied for firewood permits were told they could not take the downed trees on the side of Highway 95.

ITD hopes to complete the removal of the trees by Friday, June 27th.

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