Chainsaws are an essential tool for landowners in managing their properties. But chainsaws are inherently dangerous and improper use of chainsaws results in injuries every year to thousands of unwary landowners in the U.S.
This spring, the Massachusetts Forest Trust has been holding reduced-cost two-day Safe Chainsaw Operation workshops for landowners, Tree Farmers, and others in the Woodlands Partnership area of western Franklin and northern Berkshire counties. These hands-on workshops, which normally cost $300 per person, cost just $100 thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation.
Each workshop is limited to 9 participants to allow for personal hands-on instruction.
Some slots are still available for the June 17 – 18 workshop that will be held at the Trustees of Reservations’ Notchview Reservation in Windsor.
The workshop will be taught by Game of Logging instructor Bill Girard. The workshop will cover Level 1 and Level 2 of the GOL curriculum.
Level 1 introduces participants 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 2 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.
“Learning to use a chainsaw safely is very important to help landowners care for their properties and avoid injuries,” said MFT Program Director Gregory Cox. “Anyone can buy a saw, but that doesn’t mean they know how to use one safely. ”
Workshops will run from 8 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and in good physical condition.
Participants should 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 they don’t have a chainsaw or safety equipment at the time of the workshop, there will be equipment to use at the workshop.
Ticks are common in the woods at this time of year, so participants should wear clothing with long sleeves and pants and bring tick repellant.
To sign up for the Windsor workshop, call Greg Cox at (413) 339-5526 or email gcox@crocker.com .