Overview

This is a three-day USFS Crosscut Bucking Only certification session for WTA Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders. We will prioritize folks who need to renew a certification they already have or had, but if we have enough space will open it up to anyone seeking a crosscut certification.

You must be available for all 3 days and hold a current WFA/CPR certification to participate.

About the Area

Day 1 will be primarily classroom learning with some outdoor breakout session in the indoor community room at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Days 2 & 3 will be outside all day, on and off trail in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. Directions to meetup location Day 2 & 3 will be shared at the end of the previous day's session. Your participation all three days are required for certification.

What to Expect

We'll have fun and build our skills!

Project Description

This is a Crosscut certification class for recertification and initial certification at A/B Sawyer levels. If you're interested in leveling up to a C, or recertifying a C, please notify the Crew Leader for this event so they can scout for appropriate cut sites.

The first day will be spent in the classroom and is required for everyone seeking to recertify or certify; the second day will be spent in the field working in teams with a WTA Saw Instructor warming up your saw skills. Day three will be devoted to formal field evaluations and feedback. Those who successfully complete this class and evaluation will be entered into the USDA National Sawyer Database and issued a USFS sawyer certification card.

Camping and Hiking Information

Camping is available for a fee at Paradise Point State Park (near our classroom session) or with a Discover Pass at Rock Creek Campground (close to our cutting sites). The crew will likely go out to dinner near Ridgefield on Friday (and maybe Saturday as well) if you'd like to share a meal with the team.

Our hike to the project site is expected to be 1-2 miles over rolling terrain. Field days will be on and off trail, possibly in heavy brush.

Schedule

Day One: (indoors w/outdoor breakout sessions)

• 8:30 AM: Meet your Instructors, find a seat & get ready to learn.
• 8:30 AM: Begin modules of Crosscut Developing Thinking Sawyer curriculum
• 12:00 PM: Lunch break
• 12:30 PM: Continue with Crosscut curriculum modules.
• 4:30 PM: End of classroom portion. (All modules must be completed for certification. Class may run late).

Day Two: (all outdoors)

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew AT THE FIELD SITE, rain or shine
• Field practice in teams all day, with a break for lunch
• 4:30 PM: End of Field Practice

Day Three: (all outdoors)

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew AT THE FIELD SITE, rain or shine
• Evaluations all day, with a break for lunch
• 3:30 PM: Celebrate your renewed crosscut certification! Student's dismissed
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm Instructor debrief

Planning Information

Get ready for a great training!

Bring what you need for classroom and outdoor learning session.

If you have your own crosscut gear, we encourage you to bring it. It's great to learn on your own equipment and get tips on maintaining it. We will review basic maintenance best practices as part of our class.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• A great attitude for learning with a team! 
• A desire to share what you learn with volunteers on future WTA work parties
• Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
• This training is open to current WTA chief crew leaders and assistant crew leaders, as well as volunteers

What to Bring

Logout Work Party

Required:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots Logout Boot Example Guide
• Work gloves
• Eye protection (safety glasses should have wrapping side shields. ANSI Z87.1+, or mesh "bug eye" goggles. RX glasses/sunglasses with after market side shields are also acceptable.)
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA if needed. For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required boots and PPE will not be able to participate in the training.

• A way to take notes during classroom session (if that's useful to you)
• Sack Lunch and plenty of water
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
• A pack to carry your personal gear
• Sawyer First Aid Kit (if you have one, otherwise provided)
• Crosscut saw & saw kit, ax (if you have these, otherwise provided)
• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

All necessary tools will be provided if needed. Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• Questions? Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or shonnold@wta.org

---

Partners

• Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
•