TKU Saw School: Chainsaw Training Course (2 Days)

Saw Instructors: Nathaniel B- Vito P.

Max Size of Crew: 16

Hike Distance: < 3 miles.

Elevation Gain: < 500 ft.

Hike Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Work Difficulty: Moderate

Work Description: Sawyer Certification

First Day: Hood River, OR. 5-6 hrs of classroom and 1-2 hrs hands-on instruction

Second Day: 2 hrs review and 4-6 hrs field certification on the trail

Land Manager: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

This TKO Saw School training event is for USFS staff and volunteers in the CRGNSA that are looking to receive an initial chainsaw certification, recertification, or advancement to the B level. Registration tickets are limited so please contact Vito Perrone (vito.perrone@trailkeepersoforegon.org) or Nathaniel Brodie (nathaniel.brodie@usda.gov )if you would like to register for this event.

Click here to learn what you need to know before registering for this event.

Initial Chainsaw Bucking Certification (2 days): You must be at least 18 years old to attend. Every saw operator must be certified to ensure safe and quality work. This session is for those who do not have a USFS saw certification card or those who are pursuing advancement in their current certification. The course will cover key safety procedures and best practices for clearing trails effectively in challenging and potentially hazardous situations. Day one is a 7-8 hr classroom (PowerPoint and video instruction) with possible field instruction depending on the weather conditions. Day two is a 2 hr review followed by a 4-6 hr field certification. Candidates typically receive an “A” level certification. Candidates who demonstrate extensive skill and leadership with considerable hands-on saw experience may receive “B” level certification.

**A current First Aid and CPR certification is required to attend the second-day field evaluation of this event and for saw certifications to be valid.** TKO staff, volunteers, professionals, and USFS staff cannot use crosscut saws or chainsaws unless they hold a recognized and valid sawyer certification, First Aid, and CPR card. You can enter your current or expired saw certification information and First Aid/CPR certification by clicking on this link. Sawyer Certification Record.

Note: Please bring work gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps. Some of these PPE items can be provided by TKO staff if needed. Please contact vito.perrone@trailkeepersoforegon.org if you have any questions.

Potential cancellation: We will not work in the field if the weather is not safe for our team.

Directions: Directions will be provided to participants as we get closer to the scheduled event dates.

What to bring:

• Food for the two day event.
• Plenty of water for the two day event.
• Snacks
• Gloves, Safety Glasses, Hard Hat, Hearing Protection, Chainsaw Chaps, Saw Fuel, Bar Oil, etc.
• Hand Sanitizer

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Boots must cover your ankles. No tennis shoes allowed.)
• Work gloves
• A long-sleeved shirt is a requirement
• Long pants are required
• Hearing protection is a requirement
• Chainsaw chaps are required
• Face Mask (optional for indoor class, optional for outdoors)
• Rain gear as appropriate for the weather

Questions?

Please contact Vito Perrone at vito.perrone@trailkeepersoforegon.org. 

Additional Information:

Check out the TK-U Saw School page for more info.

Free online crosscut course from the University of Montana.

Saws That Sing. A guide to using crosscut saw.

One moving part: The Forest Service Ax Manual

Make your volunteer experience go the extra mile this month by joining our Spring 2023 Trailkeeper Challenge! Become a Trail Champion by hiking, volunteering, or spending time outside and earn awesome prizes from our partners at Arcteryx, REI, and Trail Butter!

COVID-19 Procedures:

Beginning April 15th, 2023, TKO will discontinue the requirement for event participants to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Participants will not be required to wear masks for outdoor activities. We do ask that you continue to respect those who prefer to wear a mask by maintaining appropriate distancing and wearing a mask when working in close proximity with someone who’s choosing to mask up. If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please contact our Executive Director (steve.kruger@trailkeepersoforegon.org) or Stewardship Manager (lindsay.mcintosh@trailkeepersoforegon.org).

Please help us keep our community safe and healthy by staying home and joining us another time if you have any symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times from 1853 – 1871. We are privileged to be here today & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical & emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable/unsafe – interrupt directly, tell a crew leader &/or complete the post-event survey.