Chainsaw Safety Workshops for Landowners and Tree Farmers

Chainsaws are the most common tool used by landowners in managing and caring for their woods and trees.  Chainsaws are inherently dangerous and proper maintenance and careful operation are necessary to avoid injuries or even death.
 
This spring, the Massachusetts Forest Trust is holding reduced-cost two-day Safe Chainsaw Operation workshops for landowners and Tree Farmers in the Woodlands Partnership area of western Franklin and northern Berkshire counties. These hands-on workshops, which normally cost $300 per person, will cost just $100 thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation.
 
The workshops will be taught by Game of Logging instructor Bill Girard. Each 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.
Workshops will be held at the following locations and dates:
 
May 20 – 21          Cox Tree Farm – Hawley
 
June 17 – 18           Notchview Reservation – Route 9, Windsor
 
Workshops will run from 8 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. Workshops are limited to 9 participants each to allow for individual instruction.
 
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 you 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 these workshops, call Greg Cox at (413) 339-5526 or email gcox@crocker.com by June 10th.