​Safe Operation, Cutting & Maintenance

​Join our Fire and Fuels Program Manager, Lucas King, for a hands-on, six-hour workshop designed for homeowners and landowners who use chainsaws for property maintenance, firewood, storm cleanup, fuels reduction, and other common projects. The course will focus on building safe, practical chainsaw skills and confidence for occasional and recreational users.

​Participants will learn chainsaw safety and personal protective equipment (PPE), saw selection and setup, pre-use inspections, starting and handling techniques, basic cutting methods, and how to recognize common hazards such as kickback, compression and tension, hung-up material, and unstable logs.

​We’ll also cover routine chainsaw maintenance, including chain sharpening, proper chain tension, bar maintenance, air filter and spark plug inspection, fuel and oil considerations, and troubleshooting common problems.

​A significant portion of the day will be hands-on, allowing participants to practice safe saw operation and cutting techniques under instructor supervision.

​This course is intended for homeowner-level chainsaw use and does not provide professional sawyer certification.

​Space is limited to 10 participants. If your plans change, please let us know so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.

​Please come prepared to spend the day outdoors. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chainsaw and personal protective equipment (PPE), but chainsaws and PPE will also be available for use during the workshop.

​Items to Bring:

• ​Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

• ​Water bottle

• ​Lunch and snacks for the day

• ​Clothing appropriate for the weather

• ​Chainsaw and PPE, if you have your own

​Required PPE

​Participants should bring the following PPE :

• ​Chainsaw chaps, approved and serviceable

• ​Helmet or hardhat, preferably with chinstrap

• ​Eye protection, safety glasses or goggles

• ​Hearing protection, ear plugs or ear muffs

• ​Leather gloves

• ​Long-sleeved shirt

• ​Pants

• ​Leather boots, minimum 8-inch leather lace-up

​PPE must be in good condition and suitable for field-based chainsaw operations. Participants without required PPE may not be allowed to participate in field exercises. Will will have extra PPE available, please reach out in advance so we can make sure we have what you need ready.

​Have questions?
Reach out to Amber Seitz at ambers@mtadamsstewards.org