**The training Levels build on each other, and must be taken consecutively.

Basic Saw Use & Safety: If you are new to running a chainsaw, begin with Basic Use & Safety. This training level is for beginners – the instructors will cover PPE (personal protective equipment), basic saw use and safety, and beginner skills to help you gain confidence in your use of the chainsaw. This does not include felling trees.

Level 1: Involves learning the Game of Logging methods for dropping a tree safely and precisely. We also cover PPE and saw safety. Level 1 is the basis of all subsequent levels, and the methods taught are appropriate for all.

See full training level descriptions here:
https://www.woodlandtraining.com/gol-chainsaw-safety-training-levels/

Level 2: Level 2 includes saw maintenance and sharpening, as well as working with tension and compression in the trees, and continues practiced felling techniques from Level 1.
Level 1 is a prerequisite. Many folks take the Level 1 & 2 days consecutively.

Level 3: You have gotten a chance practice the skills you learned in Levels 1 & 2.
You have comfort with the saw, and a working knowledge of the material and skills
presented in Levels 1 & 2.

Level 4 – Storm Damage Cleanup: You’ve completed Game of Logging Levels 1, 2, & 3, and have a working knowledge of the material and skills presented in Levels 1, 2, & 3.

For equipment, you should bring your your hardhat, ear and eye protection. Bring your chaps and your chainsaw if you have them. For clothing, you will need boots and clothing that will keep you warm and dry for the weather that day.

We cannot allow you to run a chainsaw with sneakers or light footwear. A “hiker” type boot is allowed.  A leather boot with a hard toe is recommended.

We try to finish by 4pm.

No. We consider this to be a work day in the woods. Be sure to bring a lunch, drink, and snacks to last the day. We will not be taking an official lunch break – you’ll eat on the go.

If you don’t own a pair, please borrow from family or friends.  We recommend you wait until you take Level 1.  We will give you information as to the options you have in chaps and protective pants. 

All of the classes are taught in the woods. However, for the level 2 day, the time spent teaching the maintenance portion of the class can be taught in a shop or garage if one is available at the site.

Very rarely!  We expect you to arrive with clothing to keep you warm and dry for the weather. Very high winds, lightning, or heavy snow may force us to cancel.

The host will send an email out to the class if the day is cancelled. No email means the day is ON. A phone call will be made to anyone who does not have email.

This is a “hands on” teaching format, however, there will be 6 to 9 other individuals in the class and all will be practicing the skills taught by the instructor, one at a time. This does make for a fair amount of standing and watching. Please dress accordingly.

The GOL Levels 1-4 must be taken consecutively. The skills necessary for each level are built upon from the previous level(s). Level 1 & 2 are a prerequisite for the Storm Damage Cleanup course. Levels 1-4 are required for the Level 5 refresher course.

The US Forest Service has created this document about electric chainsaws.  You can read it here.