Why it's important:
Becoming a crosscut sawyer is a valuable skill and a critical way to contribute to conservation efforts across Colorado. Trail maintenance in wilderness areas is largely becoming a matter of clearing dead or downed trees from the trail corridor but crosscutting is also a useful skill to harvest raw materials for backcountry trail projects, such as bridge construction. By attending this course, you will gain the skills and certification to safely and effectively utilize wilderness-approved, crosscut saws.
What you'll learn:
Upgrade your outdoor stewardship skills at this exciting 2-day workshop! In this training, you will learn crosscut saw techniques, procedures, and best practices for safely and effectively clearing trails in challenging situations. The course will also cover basic tool care and maintenance and include a mix of classroom learning, and hands-on field experience. Using the USDA Forest Service National Sawyer Training: Developing Thinking Sawyers, trainees will be recommended for certification up to a "B" skill level for bucking. This course does not include felling. 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 crosscut training will take place in the San Luis Valley, which is four hours south of Denver. The classroom portion on Saturday will take place in Del Norte, CO. The field portion will take place near South Fork on Forest Service land. VOC will not be hosting a basecamp for this training but dispersed camping options are available near the field site. More information will be provided via email to registered participants.
Eligibility requirements:
Ages 18+
A valid first aid/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 San Luis Valley this spring. Those certification courses can be found on the VOC training calendar.
Essential details:
This course takes place on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026. It is required to attend both days of this training.
This training costs $60/person. To pay for the course please click here. In an effort to support the local community, this training is free to residents of the San Luis Valley who are engaged in the volunteer program. Contact Katie@voc.org if you would like to request a payment waiver.
Your spot will not be reserved until you have registered and paid for the course.
A detailed email with the exact location, schedule and logistical information will be sent one month prior to the training date. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email Katie at katie@voc.org
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 with such short notice.
