National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program
Inserted wedges in a bucking operation.
Activity is picking up. Heading out on the line.
The meticulous and rewarding job of sharpening a crosscut saw.
Limbing a pine prior to bucking the tree.
Tossing a wedge for a crosscut bucking operation on a trail in a fire scar.
Coming in with the sloping cut on a conventional undercut.
Single bucking a fallen tree off a trail.
New sawyers sitting on "tree cookies "created during bucking practicing.
Taking a break after taking down a snag.
National Saw Program Technical Advisory Group (SPTAG)
The new Forest Service saw policy, (pdf - 305kb) directs the use of chainsaws and crosscut saws on the National Forest System Lands. Forest Service employees, volunteers and cooperators can now access consistent training, evaluation and certification. The policy enables properly qualified volunteers and cooperators to train and evaluate their members. Authorized Cooperator organizations may also certify their members. The Forest Services' National and Regional Saw Program Managers and the National Saw Technical Advisory Group (SPTAG) lead the implementation of the program.
Have a question?
Follow the link below to find out who your regional Saw Program Manager is: National and regional Saw Program managers contact information (pdf - 310kb)
Sawyer Training
New chain saw and crosscut saw training is available. The module-based training focuses on "Developing a Thinking Sawyer" and emphasizes risk management, human factors and sawyer safety. Qualified instructors can contact their local saw coordinator to ask about how to obtain the training material.
Forest Service volunteers and cooperator organizations working under an agreement can take the training. Contact your local forest or grassland volunteer coordinator or saw program coordinator for training opportunities.
To operate saws on National Forest System lands, an individual must complete one of the two Nationally Recognized Sawyer Training Courses (NRSTC) approved by the USDA Forest Service.
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National Wildlife Coordination Groups (NWCG) S-212 Wildland fire Chainsaw Course
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USDA Forest Service's "Developing Thinking Sawyers" (DTS) Course (note: SharePoint internal to Forest Service employees)
Saw Program Highlights
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.