TREES: Get to root of problem

My only source of information is what I see and hear on TV. It does seem obvious, however, that the removal of the pine trees along the dike in Coeur d'Alene is only a Band-Aid to a very big problem.

Pine tree roots do not normally grow in the air. As shown on TV, the exposed roots must have become exposed through erosion of the soil around them. This would mean the dike has eroded that much.

A long-term solution would be to rebuild the dike to its original configuration, leave the trees in place to assist in erosion control, and develop a long-term plan to control erosion and avoid a repeat of the present situation.

Trees growing naturally on the mountain tend to prevent soil erosion. With a little help, they would do the same thing on a dike.

LARRY O. SMITH

Sandpoint