This workshop is being held in La Crosse, WI (2 hours from Madison). Attendees will be based in La Crosse during the workshop and will receive lodging options via email.
Dates: Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13
Cost: $550
Level: Entry
Maximum Size: 16 students
Classroom Site: TBD (La Crosse, WI)
Field Site: Community Trail Farm
Schedule:
Day 1- 8 am - 5 pm (Classroom/Field)
Day 2 - 8 am - 5 pm (Classroom/Field)
Description
This two day course will focus on safely using chainsaws for removing blowdowns on trails.
The curriculum will cover safety, chainsaw handling, basic saw maintenance, and field cutting.
Each participant will receive hands on experience using cutting site evaluation criteria, cutting
techniques designed to keep sawyers safe, as well as communication skills for sawyers. This
course is designed for beginner to intermediate sawyers who are interested in learning state of the
art chainsaw skills.
The course is limited to 16 participants. Two instructors with decades of saw and teaching
experience will lead the course. Participants will receive a certificate of completion showing 16
hours of learning. Lunches will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own
personal protective equipment (PPE) (saw chaps, gloves, leather boots, helmet, eye protection,
hearing protection) and chainsaw (well maintained with a sharp chain, 16" to 18" bar length
ideal). Saw fuel and bar oil will be available. PPE will be available for those who may not have
any available. Loaner chainsaws will also be available.
Learning Objectives
Safe operation of chainsaws with an understanding of saw safety features, personal protective equipment needs, and essential maintenance needs.
Understand reactive forces when using a chainsaw to buck trail blowdowns
Learn how to evaluate for site hazards, analyze for log binds, identify escape options, and develop cutting plans.
Instructors
Peter Jensen, Peter Jensen and Associates, PTBA Member Company
Peter Jensen is a trail planner/builder with more than 45 years experience planning and constructing pedestrian trails throughout the Northeast. His company is a member of the Professional Trailbuilders Association. He worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club until 1988 when he started his own business in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. In early 2005 he reorganized the business into Peter S. Jensen & Associates, LLC. He served as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s representative to the U. S. Access Board’s Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas from 1997 to 1999 where he helped shape regulations for development of new trails, camping facilities, picnic sites, and beaches. He continues to plan, design, construction, and consult on the development of sustainable pedestrian trails. Training crew leaders, youth, volunteers, and agency/non-profit staff is also an important component of his work. He is a regular presenter at national conferences on pedestrian trail related topics.
Dan McLaughlin, Region 9 Saw Coordinator, USFS