unstable log structures – Forests of Memory. Forests of Learning. Forests for Life.

A Call for Care on the Urban Forest Edge: Seeking an Arborist for Stewardship and Safety at RSBBAA

On May 11, 2026, smoke was observed in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (RSBBAA) on the west side of Saskatoon. The source was a constructed bush shelter—sometimes referred to as a debris shelter or survival-style tipi—built from stacked logs and branches within the forest understory.

Thanks to quick observation and response, the situation was brought under control before it escalated into a larger fire event. However, the incident has prompted an important conversation about forest safety, risk reduction, and long-term stewardship in one of Saskatoon’s most valued urban green spaces.

A Saskatoon Fire Department member who attended the broader context of the incident has suggested that dismantling these bush shelters would be a proactive measure to reduce future fire risk and prevent potential hazards associated with unstable log structures in public forested greenspace areas.

Understanding the Concern

While these structures are not associated with homelessness or encampment activity, they do present several concerns in a managed urban forest setting:

Fire risk: Dry woody material arranged in dense structures can ignite easily during spring and summer dry conditions, especially under wind exposure.
Structural instability: Logs may shift or collapse unpredictably, posing a safety risk to anyone inside or nearby.
Forest health concerns: Some structures, particularly those constructed using dead elm wood, may contribute to the spread of Dutch Elm Disease if improperly handled or relocated.
Public safety: Unmarked or informal structures can create hidden hazards in heavily used recreational areas.

It is also important to note that Meewasin Valley Authority posted today on social media that conditions are extremely dry and that the public should use extra caution in natural areas. This reinforces the urgency of fire awareness and careful stewardship across Saskatoon’s river valley and urban forest systems.

The RSBBAA contains two larger, more robust shelters on the west side, and a smaller one, and two smaller shelters on the east side. An additional structure is located in George Genereux Urban Regional Park. The smaller shelters may be suitable for removal by organized volunteer groups, while the larger western structures require more careful assessment and handling.

A Need for Skilled Stewardship

In light of these considerations, there is now a call our from the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Encampment team at the City for removal of these “bush shelter tipis.” The two larger ones may indeed need a certified arborist—or a qualified forest professional with experience in urban forestry, tree safety, and ecological restoration—who may be willing to assist at a reduced rate or contribute in kind professional expertise. In the forest, volunteers cannot operate chain saws, it must be a trained certified arborist.

Ideally, this individual would:

Assess tree and log stability within and around shelter sites
Advise on safe dismantling procedures / chop the larger logs into smaller more manageable pieces to disperse in larger area in the forest
Identify risks to surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitat
Help ensure materials are repurposed responsibly where possible
Identify logs which are elm, and if they should be removed to the landfill
Support best practices for minimizing disturbance to the forest ecosystem

Equally valuable would be someone who simply loves forests and community stewardship and is willing to lend time, care, and professional knowledge in support of urban forest health.

Community-Based Action

Alongside professional support, there is also interest in organizing volunteer-assisted dismantling of the smaller shelters, particularly on the east side of RSBBAA and in George Genereux Urban Regional Park. With proper guidance, these efforts could safely remove hazards while strengthening community engagement in forest care.

The larger shelters on the west side will require more careful planning due to the size, weight, and arrangement of the logs involved.

A large one west side is at or near Lat/Lon: 52.10308, -106.78526

A smaller one with smaller logs which volunteers could manage as a group is at or near Lat/Lon: 52.10315, -106.78492

A large one is at or near Lat/Lon: 52.10333, -106.78103

Will have to update with the east side locations, and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park location of the bush shelter.

Why This Matters

Urban forests like RSBBAA are more than recreational spaces—they are living ecological systems that support biodiversity, climate resilience, mental well-being, and environmental education. However, they also require active stewardship to remain safe and healthy.

Incidents like the May 11 fire, combined with ongoing extremely dry conditions across the region, highlight how quickly unmanaged structures in forested environments can become serious risks, even when no harm was intended.

A Request to the Community

If you are a certified arborist, forestry professional, or someone with relevant experience—or if you know someone who may be interested in contributing expertise—we invite you to connect.

Likewise, if you are a volunteer willing to assist under supervision in responsible dismantling efforts, to disperse the logs, your support would be deeply appreciated.

Together, we can ensure that RSBBAA and surrounding green spaces remain safe, resilient, and thriving for all who visit them.

To get involved or offer assistance, please reach out to the project coordinators or local stewardship groups. friendsafforestation@gmail.com

Because caring for a forest sometimes means protecting it not only from what grows within it—but also from what is built inside it.