Less bark, more bite? By: Photos by Mikaela MacKenzie Posted: 2:42 PM CST Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 Last Modified: 3:51 PM CST Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 Updates

It started out as something quirky, a bit like hide-and-seek in the Bois des Esprits forest.

First came Woody, a large mythical troll-like carving in the trunk of a diseased tree marked for removal, off of the main trail. Several years later, another carver came forward requesting permission to produce a series of smaller carvings on dead trees and branches tucked away in the forest that hugs the Seine River in south Winnipeg. They were hidden gems to be found by the sharp-eyed walker.

But since 2020, there’s been a significant uptick in unauthorized carvings, including on living trees, often accompanied by small dedication plaques and in much more visible locations. Nearby Royalwood residents have raised concerns about the proliferation and the disruption to the natural setting.

Although there is no formal policy, the city continues to receive requests to allow carvings in both Bois des Esprit and other parks.

As a result, the city’s community services committee may consider introducing restrictions at its meeting next week.

The public service branch has made a range of recommendations— from an outright ban, to only allowing special community projects such as the Woody carving, or a continuation of existing guidelines on a limited basis.

In the latter case, carvers must demonstrate an ability to produce a professional-looking design, can only work on dead wood and with the location and the image pre-approved. The design must be nature- or forest-related and not include any symbol, text or messages. No new dedication plaques would be allowed and carvings would only be considered in Bois des Esprit and not other City of Winnipeg parks.

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