Chainsaw Safety Training for Women

Women Owning Woodlands in cooperation with UNH Extension and the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association will hold a Chainsaw Safety Training for Women on June 5^th & 6^th in Concord from 8 am to 4 pm.

This two-day course, taught by arborist Tish Carr and Karin Bothwell from UMaine – Orono and Kirk Niese from Niese Forest Works, is specially designed for women by women with insight and experience in educational programs for women. No experience is necessary though this course is also an effective refresher for more experienced individuals who have developed some bad habits with a saw. This is the gateway course to learning more advanced practices.

The focus of this course will be overwhelmingly on safety: safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, safe habits. The first half day session will be mostly indoors as we provide some basic information about chainsaws, maintenance, safety clothing, introduce you to good practices, and provide relevant background material. The second day is intended to be a full day of practice and application.

Each student should leave this course keenly aware of how to evaluate practices, and equipment for safety. Each student will have the opportunity to operate a chainsaw in a controlled and supervised setting. Students will practice starting a saw, making straight up-and-down cuts (bucking), felling a tree, and bore cuts. Students’ interests and aptitude always dictate the extent of the course. Some students will practice directional tree felling techniques, if they feel comfortable doing so.

Space is Limited to 15 participants, pre-registration required. 

This program will be limited to 15 participants, with social-distancing and masks required. The program will be held mostly outdoors. Participants will be required to complete a simple online health screening before leaving home. Additional information will be sent upon registration.

Students should bring face masks, water, snacks, and sturdy footwear. Due to COVID-19 protocols there will be no sharing of equipment, food or drink between participants.

Cost of the course is $125 for NHTOA Members, $150 for Non-Members

To register, call NHTOA at 603 224-0699 or email info@nhtoa.org