Why it's important: Becoming a chainsaw sawyer is a valuable skill and a critical way to contribute to conservation efforts across Colorado. By attending this course you will gain the skills to be able to safely assist with fire mitigation, trail maintenance and other felling and bucking operations to aid in forest management
What you'll learn: Upgrade your outdoor stewardship skills at this exciting 3 day workshop! Whether they're used for thinning fuel loads in forests, removing invasive species, clearing blow downs or much more, chainsaws are an indispensable tool in many different natural resource and trail management applications. The focus of this 3-day workshop will be on saw safety; bucking, limbing, and felling principles and techniques; overview of the tools of the trade as well as tool care and maintenance; hazard analysis and situational awareness; and did we mention safety (lots on sawing safety!).Using the USDA Forest Service National Sawyer Training: Developing Thinking Sawyers, trainees will be recommended for certification up to a "B" Sawyer skill level for Felling and Bucking. Please note that certification level is at the discretion of the workshop evaluator based on demonstrated field proficiency and is not guaranteed.
Where you'll be: This chainsaw training will take place near Fort Collins, Colorado. Exact location details will be shared once you have paid for the course.
Important: A current basic First Aid and CPR certification or higher is required to validate all saw certifications. You MUST have this certification PRIOR to taking this class. VOC will be hosting First Aid/CPR courses in both Denver and the SLV this spring. They are listed on the VOC training calendar.
Essential details:
- This course takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 10-12, 2025. It is required to attend all three days of this training.
- This training costs $150/person. To pay for the course please click here.
- Once you have paid for the course you will receive more detailed information like the exact location and schedule.
- If you cancel your registration within 2 weeks of the training date you will not be eligible for a refund. This is because we cannot fill a spot in such short notice.
- It is required to have a current basic First Aid and CPR certification prior to attending the course.
- VOC will provide a campsite for this training, however food is not provided.
Once you have paid for the training you will be included on emails with more detailed information such as the exact location and a detailed schedule. If you have any questions please email Ben at ben@voc.org
