National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program
The new Forest Service saw policy directs the use of chainsaws and crosscut saws on National Forest System lands. Forest Service employees, volunteers, partners, and other cooperators can now access consistent training, evaluation, and certification. A highlight of the new policy enables volunteer, partner, and cooperator groups to train, evaluate, and certify their members. The Forest Service National Saw Program and the National Saw Technical Advisory Group (SPTAG) leads implementation of the new policy.
National Saw Program Technical Advisory Group (SPTAG)
The SPTAG is made up of national and regional saw program managers as well as other subject matter experts who provide guidance for consistent implementation of the National Saw Program.
National and regional saw program managers contact information...
Sawyer Training
New crosscut and chainsaw training modules will be available soon. The module-based training focuses on “Developing a Thinking Sawyer” and emphasizes risk management, human factors, and sawyer safety. Forest Service sawyers can still attend approved training courses until the new program is finalized.
Contact your local unit saw program for training opportunities. National and regional training workshop announcements will be added to this page. Check back for updates!
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing the proper PPE is critical when operating a chainsaw or crosscut saw. Follow these guidelines for required PPE when using a saw...
Sawyer Certification Levels
Forest Service employees, volunteers, partners, and cooperators can obtain 4 levels of certification for chainsaw and crosscut saw operation under the new saw policy:
Related Reference Materials
- Five-Step Cutting Process
- Determining Complexity
- Complexity Chart
- Hazard Trees and their Target Zone
- The Crosscut Sawyer (University of Montana Online Training)
- Inspecting and Repairing Chainsaw Chaps
Have a question?
Contact the Forest Service Saw Program at sm.fs.fssawprogram@usda.gov.
Forest Service Disclaimer
The Forest Service, an Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed this information for the guidance of its employees, its contractor, and cooperating Federal and State agencies. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone except its own employees. The use of trade, firm or corporation names is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.