Chainsaws are probably the most common tool used by landowners in managing and caring for their woods. Chainsaws, of course, are inherently dangerous and proper maintenance and careful operation are necessary to avoid serious injuries.
This spring, the Massachusetts Forest Trust is holding a two day Game of Logging Level I & II workshop in Warren on May 18th & 19th. If you want to improve your skills in how to maintain and use a chainsaw safely, you should consider taking this workshop.
Cost of the 2 day workshop is $250 for MFA members, $300 for others. Workshops are limited to 10 participants.
The workshop will be based on the popular Game of Logging curriculum and be taught by GOL instructor Bill Girard. The workshop will consist of two days of instruction and cover Levels I & II of the GOL curriculum.
The Game of Logging training levels are:
Level I focuses on introducing the participant to open face felling and the development of techniques to safely use it. Topics covered include personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, chainsaw reactive forces, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell, and understanding hinge wood strength.
Level II focuses on maximizing chainsaw performance through basic maintenance, carburetor setting, and filing techniques. Limbing and bucking techniques are introduced, spring pole cutting is covered and more felling is practiced.
Level III focuses on techniques for handling difficult trees. Topics covered include limbing, height measurement, segment calculations, wedging techniques and hinge placement. The felling is done against the tree’s natural lean and participants also limb and buck using techniques demonstrated in level II.
Level IV focuses on ways to maximize a harvest plan for safety and productivity. Felling is practiced at working speed using all the techniques from previous levels. This level is geared to the user group.
The workshops will run from 8 am to 4 pm.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older and in good physical condition.
Prior completion of a Level I & II workshop is a requirement for taking a Levels III & IV workshop. We plan to hold a Level III – IV workshop later this year.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own chainsaw to use, with a new chain, as well as safety equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, boots, safety chaps, and gloves. If you don’t have a chainsaw or safety equipment at the time of the workshop, there will be equipment to use at the workshop.
To download a registration form for the training, click on this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dK7t08nyYRsmOlzRfeIb7pjyW2vtCrpZ/view?usp=sharing