The flag of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Image from Manataka American Indian Council

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho allowed a megaload shipment to pass through the reservation but was upset with the lack of consultation from the state.

The tribe was concerned about safety, traffic and environmental impacts of the million-pound load. Environmental staff traveled with the truck and will be monitoring the highway in the coming weeks.

"The tribe's concerns revolve mostly around traffic and safety on the reservation and protecting the lake and streams in the region," spokesperson Heather Keen told The Coeur d'Alene Press. "The tribe has worked hard and invested a lot in cleaning up the lake and the basin, so we want to protect it."

The Idaho Transportation Department approved the shipment but Keen said the tribe wasn't contacted ahead of time. So the tribe talked with the hauling company to address its concerns.

The Nez Perce Tribe went to court to block future megaloads after the state allowed a truck through its reservation without consent.

Get the Story:
Huge load, smooth sailing (The Coeur d'Alene Press 8/15)

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