Saw Certification Course – 10/7-9
October 7 @ 8:00 am – October 9 @ 5:00 pm
USFS-sanctioned Chainsaw- bucking only – Certification Course (3 days)
LOCATION
Zigzag Saw Training Center
70303 US-26 Rhododendron, OR 97049
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Saw Instructors: Vito P. – Josh D. – Gabe S.
Max Size of Crew: 12
Hike Distance: < 3 miles
Elevation Gain: (in ft) < 500 ft.
Hike Intensity: Low to Moderate
Work Intensity: Low to Moderate
Work Type: Sawyer Certification
First Day: 6-8 hrs of classroom and 1-2 hrs hands-on instruction
Second Day: 2 hrs review and 4-6 hrs field evaluation
Third Day: 6-8 hrs field evaluations and review of results
Land Manager: Mt Hood National Forest
District: Zigzag and Clackamas
This TKO Saw School training event is for volunteers, professionals, and agency staff who are looking to receive an initial chainsaw certification or recertification. TKO encourages students with little to no experience, to begin with an initial crosscut saw certification class before moving to the chainsaw.
* **The ticket price for volunteers is optional. For those with the means to pay the volunteer ticket price, you’ll be paying forward other volunteers access to training sessions such as these. ***
Initial Chainsaw Bucking Certification (3 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. Look in the TKO event calendar for a one day recertification event if you already have a USFS saw certification and are looking to recertify.
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 1-2 hr review followed by 4-6 hrs of field practice. Day three will be 6-8 hrs of field evaluations. 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. We will be utilizing the new USFS Saw Training curriculum “Developing Thinking Sawyers”.
**A current First Aid and CPR certification is required to attend the field portions 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 First Aid/CPR certification by clicking on this link. First Aid/CPR 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.
TKO does have chainsaws that can be used by students if you do not own a saw.
Please contact [email protected] 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 all three days of the event.
- Plenty of water for all three days of the 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 [email protected].
Additional Information:
Check out the TK-U Saw School page for more info.
Free online crosscut course from the University of Montana.