This past weekend, the Forest Society co-hosted the second annual Women’s Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance Workshop as part of "Women in the Woods." Lead by our own Managing Forester Wendy Weisiger, certified arborist Tish Carr, and Forestry Field Specialist Michael Gagnon, from the UNH Cooperative Extension, participants learned the basics of chainsaw anatomy, safety, and technique for usage. 

On Friday morning, Carr gave a presentation on personal protective equipment, outlining what materials would be necessary to safely operate a chainsaw  — for example, steel toed boots, protective chaps, hardhats and ear and eye protection. This presentation was followed by a demonstration by Gagnon on the various parts of a chainsaw, as well as how to properly start, brake, and shut off a saw. 

After lunch, the women broke into small groups and practiced starting, braking, and turning off the saws one-on-one with instructors. 

On the second day, students remained in small groups and were given the opportunity to practice using saws to cut tree cookies, trim branches, and fell trees in the woods near the conservation center. Instructors focused on teaching correct positioning, how to direct the fall path of a tree and how to practice safe felling techniques. 

At the end of the two day workshop, each student received a certificate for completing the training. 

This training was part of a larger program titled, “Women in the Woods,” created by UNH Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and other partners. The program is aimed at connecting women forest landowners, managers, and stewards with the resources, skills, and community they need to make informed stewardship decisions that promote healthy forest resources.