Volunteers learned plenty about properly maintaining saws and safety gear, as well as some gear advice from the pros!
On May 14th, a group of ACT staff and stewardship volunteers took part in a chainsaw use and safety training instructed by a professional forester. This training was put on in partnership with the NH Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) and UNH Cooperative Extension. While these organizations have partnered for years in putting on safety trainings for professional loggers, this opportunity has just recently become available to non-professionals and organizations such as our own. Chainsaw use is often necessary for keeping our trails in good shape, and we are fortunate to have volunteers who regularly lend a hand with this important work. In spite of heat, ticks, and blackflies, it was a great day! In addition to new skills, knowledge, and practice, all attendees received certifications after the course.
Ernst Kling demonstrated various techniques before guiding each volunteer through different processes.
We are so grateful NHTOA, UNH Extension, and instructor Ernst Kling for helping us to access this valuable training opportunity that will help keep our volunteers vigilant and safe. Thanks is also owed to the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund, funding from which helped to cover the cost of this course. In February, ACT was awarded a Tillotson DASH grant amounting to $2,000. In addition to helping to significantly lower the cost of this course for our volunteers, these funds have been put towards the acquisition of hand tools and personal protective equipment which will be a huge asset for ongoing trail maintenance efforts.
Interested in helping keep trails clear? Head over to our volunteer page or contact Rose, our Trails Program Manger, at [email protected].
