MDC offers chainsaw safety training in mid-Missouri for woodland owners

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Published Date
08/30/2019
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SEDALIA, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer Chainsaw Safety Training for Woodland Owners in Sedalia Sept. 27 – 28. This training is geared towards the ‘do-it-yourself’ landowners interested in managing their woodlots via forest thinning, harvesting, and wildlife habitat improvement projects that require the use of a chainsaw. MDC recognizes the safety hazards that are associated with chainsaw use, and work to ensure the well-being of landowner cooperators who are improving Missouri’s forest, fish, and wildlife resources.

Instructor Joe Glenn is nationally known in the field of chainsaw training and competition. He uses the world-recognized “Safety and Woods Worker” (SAWW) training program, which utilizes combined learning environments of the classroom, workshop, and the field, to educate participants in the safest and most efficient techniques for maintaining and operating a chainsaw.

The training will place special emphasis on protective equipment, proper saw maintenance, proper sharpening techniques, safe felling techniques for a variety of circumstances as well as bucking and limbing hazards.

“I was excited for this course, but it far surpassed what I had hoped for,” said Austin Johnson, a prior participant. “Given the chance, I would attend another class without hesitation.  This was extremely valuable.”

The training will take place Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day at the State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Lunch will be provided each day. The training is free, but participants must bring a properly operating chainsaw, and provide their own personal protective equipment including chainsaw chaps, leather gloves, leather boots, eye protection, and hearing protection.  Attendance is limited to 10 participants, and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  Register before Sept. 24 by contacting MDC Forester Cory Gregg at cory.gregg@mdc.mo.gov or (573) 796-0286, ext. 4285.

MDC works with you and for you to sustain healthy fish, forests, and wildlife.  For more information on forest care, visit mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/forest-care.