Appropriate for landowners and woodworkers who want to fell their own trees.

The Game of Logging (GOL) is widely acknowledged as the premier hands-on chainsaw and timber harvesting training program in the country. Top instructors across the country combine demonstration with participation to teach safety, productivity, conservation and cutting techniques. There are currently 16 training organizations that cover 30 states.

The training is offered to professional loggers, log builders, timber framers, foresters, college students, forest landowners, casual users, city-parks and utility workers, firemen, and anyone interested in learning any of the safety techniques.

Level I focuses on introducing the participant to open face felling and the development of techniques to safely use it. Topics covered include personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, chainsaw reactive forces, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell, and understanding hinge wood strength.

Level II focuses on maximizing chainsaw performance through basic maintenance, carburetor setting, and filing techniques. Limbing and bucking techniques are introduced, spring pole cutting is covered and more felling is practiced. Both levels will be completed in this two-day course. Equipment provided.

Instructor: Bill Girard. Tuition: $275 for two days, includes lunch. This course runs from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day.