Society for the Protection of NH Forests
54 Portsmouth Street
Concord, NH 03301
United States
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About the Workshop
Join Wendy Weisiger, Managing Forester, Forest Society, Tish Carr, Tish Carr Consulting, certified arborist and Mike Gagnon, Hillsborough County Extension Forester for a two-day course on basic chainsaw safety and operation specifically designed for women by 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 is on safety: safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, and safe habits. The first day will focus on safety gear, parts of a chainsaw and function, chainsaw safety features, basic saw maintenance, and introduction to proper and safe operation. The second day will focus on practice and application of basic chainsaw operation, safe movement and operation, making straight up and down cuts, limbing, and tension and compression wood. Students will learn bore cutting methods and see a felling demonstration. The goal of this course is to provide each participant with the tools to evaluate practices and equipment for safety. All participants will have the opportunity to practice chainsaw use in a safe, controlled, and supervised environment.
This course is designed to provide a classroom where all participants have ample opportunity to ask questions and practice these techniques. The instructors will break groups out based on experience and some participants may have the opportunity to try more advanced techniques depending on their experience level. We are not providing lodging as part of the program, but there is lodging nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
Space: Limited to 15 participants, pre-registration required.
Cost: $250 per participant.
What to bring:
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required. Participants will receive an email in advance of the workshop with more details.
- Helmet (we can provide one for each participant)
- Chainsaw chaps - Full-wrap style preferred (we can provide a pair for each participant)
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Steel-toe (or composite-toe) boots
- Chainsaw - Students should bring their own chainsaws (if they have them) but instructors will provide classroom saws for everyone to use.
Other: Bring a water bottle, snacks, and a lunch for each day.
Women in the Woods is a collaboration between UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Timberland Owners Association, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and other partners aimed at connecting women landowners and land managers with the resources, skills, and community they need to make informed stewardship decisions that promote healthy forest resources. For more information about Women in the Woods, visit: extension.unh.edu/womeninthewoods.
Funding for this program provided by a Landscape Scale Restoration Grant, U.S. Forest Service.
