City cracking down on artistic woodwork in St. Vital forest

People walking through the Bois des Esprits Forest will soon be greeted by a sign asking them not to carve the trees.

The city will soon erect a sign at the forest’s entrance, in both English and French, letting people know they are not allowed to carve any trees in the park located along the Seine River in South Winnipeg near the Royalwood subdivision without authorization.

The first carving appeared in 2004 in a tree that had been marked for removal because of Dutch elm disease. “Woody” appeared after the bark was stripped off to prevent disease transmission. Portions of the large carving are now displayed in Le Musee Saint-Boniface.

A couple of artists were authorized to create artwork on dead trees through the years, but the city and area residents became concerned recently after unapproved carvings appeared on both living and dead in the park.

“Ninety-nine per cent of people will comply, knowing that it is a rule,” St. Vital Coun. Matt Allard said when he learned signage would be posted prohibiting other would-be carvers from damaging trees.