1

Report on the 

Status of Logger Training and Education (LT&E) Programs 

in 34 Forested U.S. States & 6 Canadian Provinces

2014 ACTUALS – 2015 ESTIMATES

 

 

 

 

Compiled by 

 June 1, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2

June 1, 2015

FOREWORD

This Report on the Status of Logger Training and Education (LT&E) Programs in 34 Forested U.S. States & 6

Canadian Provinces was compiled from updates submitted by LT&E Program Coordinators. 

Each state logger training program report is included in alphabetical order beginning on page 6.

A Training Summary Table reports the number of persons attending continuing education courses in 2014 and 

expected to attend continuing education courses in 2015 on page 4. A total of 9,988 loggers and others completed 

LT&E programs and 25,225 attended at least one training session in 2014.

On page 5, you will find a table that summarizes the number of logging contractors, logging employees, and others 

that participated in LT&E programs in 2014. Although some programs do not track the job classification of trainees, 

the programs that do track it report that 3,286 logging contractors, 3,479 logging employees, and 960 non-loggers 

completed their LT&E Program requirements in 2014. Others participating in LT&E Programs include: foresters, 

landowners, consultants, students, government officials and natural resource managers.

Most LT&E Programs now require continuing education to fulfill licensing or to maintain certification status. For more 

information about each training program, please contact the person(s) listed at the top of each LT&E report.

Victoria Bourassa and Ellen Smethurst 

Forest Resources Association

FOREST RESOURCES ASSOCIATION INC. 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 303, Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202/296-3937 Fax: 202/296-0562 www.forestresources.org fra@forestresources.org
3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Open hyperlink for each state to go directly to that page)

Page

 4 Training Summary Tables

 6 Alabama

 8 Arkansas

 10 Northern California

 12 California

 14 Central Canada (Ontario and Manitoba)

 16 Central Rockies (Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota)

 18 Florida

 20 Georgia

 22 Idaho

 24 Indiana

 26 Kentucky

 29 Louisiana

 32 Maine

 36 Maryland / Delaware

 40 Michigan

 44 Minnesota

 49 Mississippi

 51 Missouri

 53 Montana

 55 New Hampshire

 58 New Mexico

 60 New York

 62 North Carolina

 66 Ohio

 68 Oregon

 73 Pennsylvania

 77 Quebec

 80 South Carolina

 82 Tennessee

 85 Texas

 87 Virginia

90 Washington

 93 West Virginia

 96 Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan)

 98 Wisconsin
4

STATE/PROVINCE

ACTUAL#

COMPLETING 

ENTIRE LT & E 

PROGRAM IN

2014

ACTUAL# 

COMPLETING 

PART OF LT & E 

PROGRAM IN 

2014

ESTIMATED# TO 

COMPLETE ENTIRE 

LT & E PROGRAM IN 

2015

ESTIMATED# TO 

COMPLETE PART OF 

LT & E PROGRAM IN 

2015

Alabama 130 2,865 150 1,650

Arkansas

Northern California

280

8

475

70

300

20

600

90

California

Central Canada1

757

1,902

757

610

780

672

780

786

Central Rockies2 98 98 10 100

Florida 40 410 57 445

Georgia 135 613 130 782

Idaho 333 435 375 420

Indiana 0 33 0 30

Kentucky 218 696 250 1,250

Louisiana 78 817 78 817

Maine 83 662 90 630

Maryland/Delaware 7 75 7 700

Michigan 540 483 120 1,250

Minnesota 605 1,274 635 1280

Mississippi 327 1,300 150 500

Missouri 131 396 100 396

Montana 126 940 130 950

New Hampshire 63 452 60 550

New Mexico 107 53 125 75

New York 100 874 200 800

North Carolina 108 1,462 121 1,462

Ohio 54 325 95 350

Oregon 619 3,697 630 3,750

Pennsylvania 54 756 100 800

Quebec 1,819 11 238 1,681

South Carolina 124 0 132 900

Tennessee 51 416 50 450

Texas 37 563 42 550

Virginia 117 1,312 125 1,000

Washington 84 250 80 225

West Virginia 156 896 140 1,000

Western Canada3 609

Wisconsin 88 1,149 90 1,192

Totals 9,988 25,225 6,282 28,241

Notes:

(1) Central Canada: Ontario and Manitoba

(2) Central Rockies: Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming

(3) Western Canada: British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan

(4) LT&E Numbers not received: Arizona, New Brunswick, Vermont

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION (LT&E) PROGRAM TRAINING 

SUMMARY

(2014 ACTUALS – 2015 ESTIMATES)
5

ACTUAL NUMBER COMPLETING ENTIRE 

LT & E PROGRAM IN 2014

ACTUAL NUMBER COMPLETING PART OF 

LT & E PROGRAM IN 2014

STATE/PROVINCE Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees Other1 Total

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees Other1 Total

Alabama2 130 2,865

Arkansas

Northern California

45

8

210 25 280

8

56

25

284

45

135 475

70

California

Central Canada2

142

631

615

1,193 78

757

1,902

142

183

615

400 27

757

610

Central Rockies2 98 98

Florida 33 7 40 364 46 410

Georgia 43 42 50 135 324 126 163 613

Idaho2 333 435

Indiana2 0 33

Kentucky 160 58 218 573 123 696

Louisiana 53 25 78 515 302 817

Maine 4 76 3 83 110 519 33 662

Maryland/Delaware2 7 75

Michigan2 540 483

Minnesota2 367 222 16 605 1098 176 1,274

Mississippi2 327 1,300

Missouri2 131 396

Montana2 92 34 126 940

New Hampshire2 63 452

New Mexico2 107 53

New York2 90 10 100 777 97 874

North Carolina 87 9 12 108 920 325 217 1,462

Ohio2 54 325

Oregon 619 619 840 2,857 3,697

Pennsylvania2 54 756

Quebec 411 743 665 1,819 6 5 11

South Carolina2 124 0

Tennessee2 51 416

Texas 34 3 37 431 132 563

Virginia 60 30 27 117 680 350 282 1,312

Washington 25 53 6 84 115 115 20 250

West Virginia2 156 896

Western Canada2 609 609

Wisconsin2 88 1,149

Totals 3,286 3,479 960 9,988 4,693 8,404 1,456 25,225

Notes:

1) Other includes foresters, landowners, consultants, students, government personnel, and natural resource managers.

2) Records do not include job classification.

3) LT&E Numbers not received: Arizona, New Brunswick, Vermont 

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION (LT&E) PROGRAM TRAINING 

SUMMARY

(2014 ACTUALS – 2015 ESTIMATES)
6

ALABAMA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Ashley Smith

Alabama SFI

555 Alabama Street

Montgomery, AL 36104-4395

Phone: 334.481.2133

Fax: 334.262.1258

Email: asmith@alaforestry.org

Program

Name: Alabama Professional Logging Manager

The Professional Logging Manager (PLM) Course was started by the Alabama 

Cooperative Extension Service in 1993 and was patterned after the Tennessee 

Master Logger program. The program consists of two days training using 

classroom presentations. 

Participants who complete the program receive a certificate of completion and an 

identification card. The entire database of current PLM designees is available on 

the Alabama Forestry Association website at www.alaforestry.org/plm. This 

database provides landowners the opportunity to utilize a logger who has had 

formal training. 

Required

Courses: The specific course work consists of these two eight- hour sessions:

Forest Resource Conservation – Begins with overview of the Sustainable Forestry 

Initiative (SFI) followed by the conduct of a timber harvest from economic and 

environmental perspectives. Presentations cover endangered species, conserving 

biodiversity, forest productivity through forest management, Best Management 

Practices for water quality protection, and timber harvest planning. 

Logging Safety and Compliance – Presentations include: general logging safety 

precepts applicable to all logging workers, specific job task safety principles, 

business regulations, and logging business information and management tools. 

Other: The Professional Logging Manager Course was originally funded through a TVA 

grant to Auburn University. The course is supported by the Auburn University 

School of Forestry and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and endorsed 

by the Alabama Forestry Association, the Alabama Loggers Council and the 

Alabama Sustainable Forestry Initiative. PLM courses are taught by Dr. Mathew 

Smidt of Auburn University. He has made his program information available at 

his website at https://fp.auburn.edu/sfws/plm/plmprogram.htm. 
7

Participants are charged $125.00 pre-registration and $150.00 walk-in registration 

to cover the costs of travel and materials. The SFI Logger Education Committee 

covers administrative expenses, while SFI member companies sponsor meals. 

The Alabama Loggers Council and the SFI Loggers Education Committee require 

six hours of continuing education credits per year to maintain PLM status. 

Participants are allowed to carry up to six hours of continuing education over to 

the following year. Continuing education opportunities include traditional training 

workshops; however, there are also continuing education opportunities online at 

www.alaforestry.org. 

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire 

LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Loggers, 

Foresters

And Others

130 2,865

 

150 1,650

TOTALS

130* 2,865*

 

150 1,650

*130 individuals completed the initial two day training.

Production

Data: The annual production for PLM graduates is estimated to be 22,168,000 tons. 

Data was developed from production figures of Alabama SFI member companies. 

Training 

Modules:

Twenty five one-hour courses available at $35 per hour with a $10 discount for 

members. Topics include trucking regulations, BMPs for water quality, nonnative 

invasive species, threatened and endangered species, and forest certification. 

Programs are available online at www.alaforestry.org/plm. Participants start and 

completion time is monitored and participants receive a certificate of completion 

once they pass an automated quiz. (Many of these courses are recorded live 

sessions.) 
8

ARKANSAS

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: George Lease 

Director of Logger Training and Education

Arkansas Timber Producers Association

2311 Biscayne Drive, Suite 206

Little Rock, Arkansas 72227

Phone: 501.224.2232

Fax: 501.224.9625

Toll Free: 888.403.2232

Email: GLease7915@aol.com

Website: www.arkloggers.com

Program 

Name:

Arkansas Logger Education and Training Program 

The purpose of the Arkansas LT&E Program is to present four one-day 

educational workshops for Arkansas and neighboring state logging 

contractors, spouses, crew members, and company and state foresters. 

The Program’s mission is to develop and implement an education and 

training program for Arkansas loggers, procurement and land 

management foresters, and others who work with loggers and logging 

contractors. It is designed to provide instruction that will assist in 

achieving sustainable forestry and best management (stewardship) 

practices.

The Arkansas Logger Training and Education Council was formed to 

develop a training curriculum, hire a program coordinator, and secure 

funding for Arkansas’ Logger Training and Education Program. On 

September 1, 1995, George Lease was hired as Director of Logger 

Training and Education for the ATPA. A training goal was established to 

train 1,000 loggers, spouses, and company employees each year in 1996, 

1997, and 1998, for a total of 3,000 persons. There are currently 15,993 

persons in the LT&E database. As of December 31, 2014, attendance at 

ATPA workshops has been 48,083 in 1,186 workshops held since the 

program started on October 1, 1995.

A training program budget and a funding formula have been established 

in the form of a 1 cent per ton voluntary assessment based on the volume 

of wood consumed by each company that elects to support the program. 

Also, there is a 1 cent per acre voluntary assessment for major forest 

landowners who do not have mills in Arkansas. Forty companies 

contributed $168,809 in 2014, and they have pledged a similar amount in 

2015. A total of 1,740 loggers and foresters received LT&E in 44 

workshops in 2014. Thirty workshops have been planned for Arkansas, 

Oklahoma, and Texas in 2015.
9

Required 

Courses:

The 24-hour basic curriculum includes four modules of six hours each:

Timber Harvesting & Transportation Safety

Business Management for Logging Contractors

Successful Timber Harvesting (Best Management Practices)

Environmental Considerations for Sustainable Forest Management

Continuing Logger Education (CLE)—All LT&E workshops now count 

for 6 hours of CLE annually. Over 75% of the 2014 workshop 

attendance was by logging contractors, crew chiefs, and foresters needing 

CLE credit. Each Ark Pro Logger is expected to complete 6 hours of 

CLE annually.

Additional 

Training 

Available:

Defensive Truck Driving & Truck Driving Safety

Logger Rescue

Basic First Aid and CPR

Mill/Supplier (FRA) Workshops

Chainsaw Safety

CSA Compliance/Trucking Safety

Training Summary: 

Participants Actual 

Number 

Completing 

Entire LT&E 

Program in 

2014

Actual 

Number 

Attending At 

Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated 

Number 

Expected to 

Complete 

LT&E 

Program in 

2015

Estimated 

Number 

Expected to 

Attend Some 

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other (Foresters)*

45

210

25

56

284

135

25

200

75

100

400

100

TOTALS 280 475 300 600

*Records do not indicate job classification

Production 

Data:

Based on comments from those companies which funded our LT&E 

program, we estimate that the 4,800 Ark Pro Loggers (LCs and LT&E 

grads) accounted for over 95 percent or approximately 12 million tons of 

the State of Arkansas’ timber harvest of just over 13 million tons 

removed from Arkansas forests in 2014 (Source: Arkansas Forestry 

Commission).

On-Line 

Courses

No on-line courses are offered at this time; however, we give CLE credit 

to loggers and foresters taking online training from neighboring states, 

primarily Texas and Alabama.
10

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

LOGGERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (LANC) 

CERTIFIED LOGGER PROGRAM

Contact: Buzz Eades, Director

Loggers Association of Northern California (LANC)

PO Box 296

Mount Shasta, California 96067

Email: lancbuzz@frontier.com

Phone: 509.926.0771

Program

Name: LANC Certified Logger Program

Required Courses:

The LANC program requires a company to complete twenty (20) credit hours of 

approved training courses, which cover all the (10) SFI Logging Education 

Categories (LECs). After initial certification, a company must complete at least 

eight (8) credit hours of continuing education of subject matter in any 

combination of the ten (10) Logging Education Categories. All employees for the 

company must be trained or retrained in First Aid / CPR.

Additional Training:

California Timber Operators License Program

The California Department of Forestry offers the Logger Training Program, 

required for first time applicants for a State Timber Operators License. The 

LANC program recognizes and gives education credit for this two (2) day course. 

There are many presentation and classes at the two California logging 

conferences for which LANC offers credit. Some of these are presented by 

Associated California Loggers and some by the Loggers Association of 

Northern California. 
11

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other

8

0

25

45

20 20

70

TOTALS 8 70 20 90

Production Data: No current plans to track.

Program Funding: 

Training Modules:

LANC has one on-line training course, a two (2) credit hour course –

“Introduction to Forest Certification,” and are working on more.
12

CALIFORNIA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Associated California Loggers (ACL) California Logger Training and Education Program

Contact: Eric Carleson, Executive Director

Associated California Loggers (ACL)

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 745

Sacramento, California 95814

Email: ecarleson@calog.com

Phone: 916.441.7940, Fax: 916.441.7942

Program

Name: California Logger Training and Education Program

ProLogger training in California provides a continuing education resource for 

loggers and complements landowner certification programs. Completion of 17 

required units and three elective units qualifies for ProLogger listing. Eight 

elective units per year are required to maintain ProLogger status. 

Required

Courses: Best Operating Practices Business Practices

1) Silviculture for California loggers 1) Costs, job analysis and

2) Using best operating practices successful bidding

3) The pre-harvest inspection as a 2) Independent contractor status

short cut to quality 3) Managing your business to

4) Matching job & equipment survive and prosper

Safety and Risk Management

1) Managing risks and claims 4) Hazardous substance rules

2) First Aid & CPR training 5) Updating your Illness & Injury

3) Hearing conservation Prevention Program 

 6) Nutrition

Additional

Training

Available: California Timber Operators License Program

The California Department of Forestry offers the Logger Training Program 

required for first time applicants for a State Timber Operators License. The 

program consists of the Licensed Timber Operator’s Workshop developed 

cooperatively by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) 

and the Associated California Loggers. The workshop is taught by the CDF.

Safety and First Aid - Informal safety visits and technical support. ACL’s 

safety director works on a continuous basis with loggers and their workers’ 

compensation program to keep their safety effort up to snuff.
13

Others (Electives) offered by ACL, Logging Conferences, etc., (continuing 

education credit awarded by ACL) include the following topics:

Working around Water Labor Law

Troubleshooting Airbrakes Safety (Trucks and Logging)

First Aid Terminal Inspections

Trucking Issues Trucking and Homeland Security

Private Property Healthy Forests

Communication Managing Insurance Claims

Air Quality Requirements Fire Prevention

Heat Illnesses Money Management

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other

142

615

142

615

150

630

150

630

TOTALS 757 757 780 780

Production Data: No current plans to track.

Program Funding: 

Participants either pay directly for classes or association and logging conferences charge

conference registration fees for all classes and the conferences themselves. Some conference 

classes are offered for free. No state funding.

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered through 2014)
14

CENTRAL CANADA

(ONTARIO, MANITOBA)

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee (CCSIC)

Contact Information: Mike Maxfield

Chair CCSIC

Resolute Forest Products

mike.maxfield@resolutefp.com

807.475.2626

Program Name: Qualified Logging Professional Training Requirements

Required Training:

1. Legal Requirements: Loggers and Logging Contractors must have all of the training 

that is legally required in Ontario and/or Manitoba based on what type of activity they are 

performing or what type of equipment they are operating. Some examples could include 

Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator Common Core and Workplace Hazardous 

Materials Information System (WHMIS), Emergency First Aid, Cutter-Skidder 

Certification, Professional Chainsaw Operation, Propane Handling, Transportation of 

Dangerous Goods.

2. SFI Awareness: The individual must have an awareness of the principles of sustainable 

forest management certification including the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard. The 

CCSIC has developed a series of training modules for use as training aids, which includes 

SFI Awareness. In addition, many member companies have developed their own training 

programs; these training programs may be reviewed and endorsed as equivalent. 

3. Awareness of Best Management Practices: The individual must have an awareness of 

best management practices applicable to their operation. The CCSIC has developed a 

series of training modules for use as training aids, which include BMP Awareness. In 

addition, many member companies have developed their own training programs; these 

training programs may be reviewed and endorsed as equivalent.

Production Data: Not Available.

Continuing Education: The training requirements are delivered by Program Participants 

typically to their workers and on an ‘as needed’ basis for new hires. Site Specific training is also 

delivered on an ongoing basis during field pre-work prior to commencement of harvesting, road 

building and other logging related activities. Both logging contractors and Program Participants 

are typically required to sign-off on a pre-work document.

Additional Training Available: Additional Training is available through outside agencies such 

as Workplace Safety North which have the following training: 

• Act & Industrial Regulations

• Cargo Securement for Forestry Operations
15

• Fall Protection in Forestry

• Principles of Rigging, Hoisting and Towing on Logging Operations

• Safe Travel on Logging Roads

Program Funding: Program participants self-funded.

Training Modules: CCSIC provides the following training modules: 

1. Sustainable Forest Management Certification

2. Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee

3. Introduction to the SFI Standard

4. Qualified Logging Professionals

5. Species at Risk/Invasive Species

6. Best Management Practices: Harvest Operations

7. Best Management Practices: Access

8. Best Management Practices: Reforestation and Aesthetics

9. Best Management Practices: Dangerous Goods

10. Requirements for Forestry Operations in Ontario

Training Summary:

Participants Actual Number 

Completing 

LT&E Program 

in 2014*

Actual Number 

Attending at least 

one course in 

2014

Estimated 

Number 

expected to 

complete LT&E 

program in 2015

Estimated 

Number expected 

to attend some 

courses in 2015

Logging 

Contractors 631 183 86 163

Logging 

Employees 1193 400 544 578

Foresters 9 4 1 4

Landowners 48 19 40 40

Government 

Officials 0 1 1 1

Students 0 0 0 0

Others 21 3 0 0

TOTAL 1902 610 672 786

* Number of new & existing QLP’s in 2014.
16

CENTRAL ROCKIES

(COLORADO, WYOMING, SOUTH DAKOTA)

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Tom Troxel

Intermountain Forest Association

2218 Jackson Blvd, Suite 10

Rapid City, SD 57702

605.341.0875(phone), 605.341.8651 (fax), 605.390.7457 (cell)

t_troxel@hills.net

Program

Name: Central Rockies Sustainable Forestry Education Program (CRSFEP) 

The purpose of the Central Rockies Sustainable Forestry Education Program 

(CRSFEP) is to develop, support and provide a course curriculum to improve 

knowledge and implementation of forestry practices in Colorado, Wyoming and 

South Dakota. The CRSFEP curriculum is designed for loggers, landowners, 

natural resource managers, and other interested parties. The intent is to encourage 

a mix of participants, and facilitate discussion between those responsible for the 

management of forest land. The following core curriculum provides a foundation 

of both forest function and forestry operations.

Required

Courses: Course Classroom/Lecture/Discussion 

BMPs to Protect Water Quality 4 hours

Forest Ecology 2 

Forest Management/Silviculture 4 

Business Management 2 

Harvesting and Transportation Safety 2

Forests with Exceptional Value 2 

First Aid (as required by OSHA) (acquired locally)

Total 16

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete LT&E

Program in 2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

98 certified

0 re-certified

98 10 100

TOTALS* 98 98 10 100
17

*Records do not indicate job classification.

Production Data: No current plans to track.

Program Funding: In general, participant fees pay the costs, although various timber 

associations (IFA, BHFRA, CTIA) cover a portion of the administrative/organizing costs.

Training Modules: (No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014.)
18

FLORIDA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Phil Gornicki or Mike Branch

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Florida Forestry Association

Post Office Box 1696

Tallahassee FL 32302-1696

Phone: 850.222.5646

Fax: 850.222.6179

Email: phil@forestfla.org

Program

Name: Florida Master Logger

The Florida Forestry Association administers the program for the Sustainable 

Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation Committee (SIC). The program is 

designed to enhance the professionalism of loggers through training in safety, 

timber harvesting, business and environmental regulations. 

Required

Courses: The core courses cover the following subjects:

Logging Safety

Business Management

Forest Management

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program (Master 

Logger) in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course (cont 

ed) in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Some

Courses in 

2015

Loggers

Non Loggers 

33

7

364

46

50

7

400

45

TOTALS 40 410 57 445

Program

Funding: The Florida Master Logger program is funded by the SFI/SIC and logger

 education workshop registration fees.

Program
19

Revision: January 2013 was the starting point for a new Florida Master Logger Program 

design. The Florida Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation 

Committee (SIC) was charged with revising the continuing education format, 

meeting new SFI Standard requirements, and simplifying the program and 

administration. Logger training topics that are required by the most current SFI 

Standard are incorporated and tracked in the revised administration format, and 

teaching materials/modules are researched and reviewed each year as the program 

is continually updated. The Master Logger Annual Update is equivalent to three 

(3) hours of continuing education; however, it is the only continuing education 

accepted for Master Logger certificate renewal. No other continuing education is 

required nor accepted in this new program. “Other Participants” (non-loggers 

who took the initial 3-day training) are also now required to maintain the same 

continuing education requirements as a Master Logger if they wish to maintain 

“trained” status. This training is currently not available online. Only approved 

facilitators may teach this training.
20

GEORGIA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Chase Cook

SFI Program Coordinator

Center for Forest Business

The University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia 30602-2152

cookfc@uga.edu; 706.542.7691

Program

Name: Georgia Master Timber Harvester 

The Georgia Master Timber Harvester (MTH) program has two components: 

1) An introductory two-day Master Timber Harvester workshop, and 

2) Ongoing Continuing Logger Education (CLE) that is more flexible to meet the 

needs of a very diverse audience. 

Current

Training

Available: Georgia Master Timber Harvester Introductory Workshop - The Georgia Master 

Timber Harvester workshop is a two-day program designed to address the logger 

education component of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI ®) Program. 

Workshop material is offered in three categories: environment, business 

management, and safety. 

The focus in the Environment category is to allow loggers to become conversant 

on forestry topics and for them to gain a greater appreciation of how their actions 

affect forest sustainability and vice versa. 

The Business Management and Safety categories are more straightforward in 

content since they deal with specific subjects that affect the logger’s profitability 

and business survival. Foresters and landowners participating in the workshop 

may gain a better understanding of a logger’s perspective, i.e., logging demands, 

considerations, and constraints. 

Continuing Logger Education – A variety of continuing logger education 

courses are available from The Southeastern Wood Producers Association and 

some Georgia technical colleges. CLE credit may also be received for attending 

courses at other education facilities, technical and professional meetings, and 

other venues.
21

Continuing

Education

Requirements: Upon completion of the introductory, two-day Georgia Master Timber 

Harvester Workshop, MTH status is effective for a period of two (2) years. 

Twelve (12) hours of CLE are required to renew MTH status. A minimum 

of four (4) of the twelve required hours must be in the environmental topics 

discussed in the Master Timber Harvester introductory workshop. The 

remaining eight hours are “elective” and may be in any subject matter 

addressed in the MTH workshop (The Environment, or Business 

Management, or Safety modules).

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E 

Program in 

2014

Estimated*

Number

Attending 

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated 

Number 

Expected to 

Complete LT&E 

Program in 

2015

Estimated* 

Number 

Expected to 

Attend Some 

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors 43 324 42 341

Logging 

Employees 42 126 40 170

Other 50 163 48 271

TOTALS 135 613 130 782

*Based on number of Master Timber Harvester renewals. 

Program

Funding: The program is primarily funded by attendee registration fees and subsidized by 

Georgia SFI Implementation Committee participant dues and additional, direct 

contributions for MTH purposes.

Training Modules:

The MTH program provides class-based introductory workshop instruction only. 

Program participants are directed to participate in qualified continuing education 

(e.g. approved CLE or Continuing Forestry Education hours approved by the 

Society of American Foresters). Continuing education providers in Georgia 

include the Southeastern Wood Producers Association, the UGA Warnell School 

of Forestry and Natural Resources, and technical colleges across Georgia. Online 

course modules provided by the Southeastern Wood Producers Association have 

been approved for Georgia CLE purposes and we also accept credits from online 

training modules from other state SFI-recognized programs (e.g., Alabama 

Forestry Association).
22

 IDAHO

 2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Linda Murphy, Office Manager

Associated Logging Contractors, Inc.

P.O. Box 671

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814

208/667-6473 1-800-632-8743 

Fax 208/667-2144

Email: alc@idahologgers.com

Current

Training

Available: The Idaho Pro-Logger program, established by Idaho’s Associated Logging 

Contractors in 2000, utilizes a curriculum offered by LEAP, a nationally 

acclaimed Extension program. In addition, the program is designed to satisfy SFI 

education requirements. 

Focused primarily on in-field supervisors, and owners (including owneroperators), the program consists of 24 credit hours in:

• First aid training as required in the OSHA regulations and 

• Completion of a 3-day LEAP curriculum offered by University of Idaho 

Extension covering silviculture, forest ecology and water quality.

To maintain active status with Idaho’s Pro-Logger program after the initial 

program, owner/contractors must maintain their compliance with 12 credits yearly 

from approved courses. In addition, all employees and the owner/contractor must 

maintain OSHA-required first aid certification. 

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete LT&E

Program in 2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

333 435 375 420

TOTALS * 0 0 0 0
23

*Records do not indicate job classification. Numbers of those taking individual courses are 

primarily program graduates taking continuing education courses to maintain their active 

status.

Production

Data: No current plans to track.

Program

Funding: The Idaho Pro-Logger Program is owned and operated by the Associated Logging 

Contractors of Idaho (ALC). The ALC has established two committees to assist 

in oversight and guidance of the IPL: 1.) the Idaho Pro-Logger Sub Committee 

whose members are ALC member logging contractors in good standing; 2.) the 

Idaho Pro-Logger Advisory Committee which consists of logging contractors, 

forest land owners, representatives of forest product companies, foresters, the 

University of Idaho Extension Forestry Department, the Idaho Department of 

Lands, advisors from the Idaho State Logging Safety Program and the Associated 

Logging Contractors. These committees meet regularly to monitor and guide the 

program and make recommendations to the ALC Board of Directors for program 

governance. All final decision on the governance and operation of the IPL rest 

with ALC Board of Directors.

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014)
24

INDIANA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Jeff Settle

Forest Resources Information

IDNR Forestry

1278 E SR 250

Brownstown, IN 47220

812.358.2160 - PHONE

812.358.5837- FAX

jsettle@dnr.in.gov

Program

Name: Indiana SFI Logger Training

Indiana’s LT&E Program is a volunteer program and uses the Game of Logging 

curriculum. The Indiana Division of Forestry and IHLA assist with training 

coordination. The “core curriculum” is listed below:

Courses: Game of Logging Cutter Training – Levels 1-5

Storm Damage Cutter Training

Game of Logging Skidder Training – Level 1. 

Best Management Practices (1 day – 50% outdoors)

Indiana continues to expand the scale of its BMP Training and Monitoring course. 

A cost-share program has been developed to provide incentives and BMP 

information to loggers and to defray some of their BMP implementation costs.

Introduction to SFI, Silviculture, Wildlife, etc. (1day- 50% outdoors)

Other: First Aid & CPR training are the loggers’ responsibility.

Note: All Indiana State Forest timber sales now require that at least one person 

(timber buyer, supervisor, or crew member) have the minimum of Game of 

Logging Level 1 Cutter Training and also Introduction to BMPs. 

Ashley Tandy, Indiana Hardwood 

Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA)

1849 Broad Ripple Avenue 

Indianapolis, IN 46220

800. 640.4452 – PHONE

317. 875.3661 – FAX

http://www.ihla.org
25

Training Summary:

*Records do not indicate job classification.

Production

Data: Not Available.

Program 

Funding: Training costs are paid by attendees or their company. 

Training Modules: No on-line training modules have been developed.

Participants*

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Actual

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

33 30

TOTALS 33 0* 30* 
26

KENTUCKY

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Kentucky Master Logger Office

University of Kentucky - Dept. of Forestry 

222 Thomas Poe Cooper Bldg.

Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0073

Phone/Fax: 859.257.6230 KML Logger Line: 800.859.6006

Website: http://www.masterlogger.org

Email: kml@uky.edu

Program

Name: Kentucky Master Logger Program

The Kentucky Master Logger (KML) Program was initiated in 1992 as a 

partnership between the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, 

Kentucky Forest Industries Association, Kentucky Division of Forestry, and 

Bryan Equipment Sales Inc. 

Kentucky’s Forest Conservation Act requires all commercial logging operations 

to have at least one Master Logger graduate on site. Master Loggers will be 

required to complete six hours of continuing education every three years.

Eight 3-day KML programs are scheduled at eight regional training sites during 

2015. The cost is $85.00 per person for all three sessions. Training is required in 

the following areas:

Required

Courses: Laws and Regulations, Silviculture, Stream Crossings and BMPs regulations are 

taught by Dr. Jeff Stringer of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension 

Service and Kentucky Division of Forestry personnel. This session covers laws 

and regulations, silviculture, effects of logging and site on regeneration and 

growth, construction of roads, stream crossings, landings and skid trails. Timber 

harvesting Best Management Practices are emphasized. Course length covers two 

days at six hours per day with both indoor and outdoor activities and 

demonstrations.

Logging Safety Course is taught by timber harvesting and safety specialists with 

Bryan Equipment (a regional Stihl distributor) or other qualified personnel, KFIA, 

and Kentucky Division of Forestry Personnel. Felling techniques, personal 

protective equipment, fatality information and OSHA standards and regulations 

are covered. Course length is six hours with both indoor and outdoor activities.

Other: Over 7,499 loggers have graduated since the KML program first started (217 

programs since 1992). The Kentucky Master Logger Program received the 1994 

Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award and was awarded the most 

outstanding Cooperative Extension Program in Kentucky in 1999.
27

There are 19 continuing education classes scheduled throughout 2015 by the 

Kentucky Master Logger (KML) office so that loggers can attain the six CEC’s 

required to maintain their KML status. Kentucky Master Loggers can receive 

credit for attending programs not conducted by the KML Office, such as those 

conducted in other states or by industry as long as the program is approved for 

content by the KML office.

Testing of participants in the introductory Kentucky Master Logger Program 

indicates a 40% increase in knowledge of basic logging practice. Annually, an 

average of 112 small logging firms are provided assistance with complying with 

state laws by attending the introductory program and resulting in jobs for 347 

individuals (owners or employees). Environmental assessment of program 

participants indicated that best management practices usage ranged from 80 to 90 

percent for streamside management zones and haul road and skid trail drainage 

control practices to 30 to 40 percent for the use of improved stream crossings and 

successful revegetation of skid trails. The end result of the introductory program 

is that 128 perennial streams and 355 intermittent streams are provided enhanced 

environmental protection annually.

Advanced training for Kentucky Master Loggers annually enrolls

approximately 1,400 Kentucky Master Loggers. Training involves Silviculture of 

Timber Production, Bucking Optimization, Logging Aesthetics, Advanced BMPs, 

Timber Cruising Basics, Logging Mechanics and Equipment, Map and GPS for 

Loggers, and Log, Lumber and Tie Grading. Post-training evaluation indicate that 

approximately 400 logging businesses maintain compliance with state laws 

through this training. Post-training evaluation indicated a use rate average of 

between 45 and 90 percent for advance program training courses.

The KML web site (www.masterlogger.org) provides a complete listing of class 

schedules, registration form/information, Forest Conservation Act requirements, 

and who to contact for assistance or additional information. 

Production

Data: Kentucky Master Loggers harvest virtually 100 percent of the timber that is cut 

annually in Kentucky.
28

Training 3-Day KML 3-Day KML 3-Day KML 3-Day KML

Summary: Program + CEU Program + CEU .

Program 

Funding: The 3-day program registration fee to participants is $85.00. The one-day 

continuing education programs that the Kentucky Master Logger office coordinates 

has a registration fee of $50.00 in most cases. This fee can fluctuate depending on 

the program being offered. Additional funds are collected through the $25.00 

Kentucky Master Logger Card renewal fee, which participants have to pay every 

three years to maintain their designation. 

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered.)

 

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors 

and Employees

Landowners

Govt. Employees

Other

160

14

11

33

573

35

45

43

190

15

15

30

1,135

30

40

45

TOTALS 218 696 250 1,250
29

 LOUISIANA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Gracee Malone-Texada

Louisiana Forestry Association

P.O. Box 5067

Alexandria, Louisiana 71307

Phone: 318.443.2558

Email: gmalone@laforestry.com 

Program Name:

The Louisiana Sustainable Forestry Initiative Education Program

The forestry community of Louisiana has developed a comprehensive 30 hour 

program designed to assist loggers, foresters, forest landowners, and others who 

work in Louisiana forests harvesting the state’s number one crop, “trees.” The 

program is designed to help respond to OSHA safety requirements, increasing 

environmental concerns, sustainable forestry practices, and improved business 

management techniques. Individual workshops were designed to meet the 

SFI requirements and are scheduled from February through November. Master 

Logger status is required of all suppliers by the Louisiana Sustainable Forestry 

Initiative participating companies. Completion of the program is required to be 

recognized as a Master Logger by the Louisiana Logging Council and the 

Louisiana Forestry Association. Each year Master Loggers who have 

successfully completed their (6 hr) Continuing Education requirement will receive 

a billfold size card certifying they are in good standing.

Required Courses:

Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety & OSHA Regulations

A four-hour session using interactive videos highlighted by APA’s Loss Control 

for Professional Loggers program and Operation Lifesaver is presented first. 

Logging contractors are encouraged to bring their operators for this program. 

Breakout sessions are held for an in-depth discussion of hazards associated with 

all areas of the logging job and the participants are expected to perform a mock 

“tailgate” meeting with a crew. Two workshops with 98 attending were offered in 

2014. (CFE-3hrs, CLE-6 hrs)

Using the Louisiana Logging Safety Manual as a text, logging contractors are 

made aware of OSHA logging regulations and their responsibility for training 

employees. The course gives the contractor the tools necessary to train his 

personnel in logging safety. Breakout sessions review FRA’s Logging Safety 

Video. The text includes sections on OSHA Standards, forms & records, Hazcom 

Program, MSDS, Safety Policy, Bloodborne Pathogens and the Louisiana Tenpoint Safety Plan. Two workshops with 98 attending were offered in 2014. (CFE3hrs, CLE-6 hrs)
30

Best Management Practices and Harvest Planning

An eight hour course on forest regulatory history, Clean Water Act, Wetlands, 

Endangered Species, Reforestation Alternatives, and Harvest or Timber Sale 

planning is offered. Using the video, Louisiana’s Voluntary Best Management 

Practices for Professional Loggers, trainees share their experiences with each 

other on their use of BMPs. A harvest plan is developed from facts presented 

during the session. Two workshops with 98 in attendance were offered in 2014. 

(CFE-7hrs, CLE-6 hrs) 

Erosion Control

“You have told us why we must use BMP’s, now show us how” logging 

contractors commented after the 1996 BMP training season. Members of the SFI 

committee asked the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service to assist in 

developing a training session that would address the logging contractors’ needs. 

The six-hour combination classroom and field exercise workshop on planning, 

design & construction of forest water control measures meets this objective. Two 

workshops with 98 attending were offered in 2014. (CFE-3.5 hrs, CLE-6 hrs)

Business Management

Meeting the business management needs of the modern logging contractor is the 

objective of this eight-hour session. A Certified Public Accountant discusses 

Wage & Hour laws and leads the class through the procedure of reporting federal 

and state payroll taxes. Other topics include; off-road fuel regulations, insurance, 

timber sale reporting requirement, deeds & contracts, better profits in trucking 

wood, financial management and estate taxes. Two workshops with 98 attending 

were offered in 2014. (CFE-7hrs, CLE-6 hrs)

Forestry Aesthetics

The Sustainable Forestry Board included Forestry Aesthetics in the SFI Core 

Indicators for wood producer training in the 2002-2004 edition of the SFI 

Standards. The Louisiana SIC added the Forestry Aesthetics to the Core 

Curriculum for attaining Louisiana Master Logger status by the end of CY 2003. 

The three-hour workshop, developed by the Forest Resources Association, Inc., 

was incorporated in the training program to meet this requirement. Two Forestry 

Aesthetics workshops were held with an attendance of 98 for 2014.

Production Data:

The latest data available has 22.7 million tons of wood produced for Louisiana 

mills in 2014. An estimate of 21.6 million tons were produced by fully trained 

logging contractors.
31

Training Summary for Required Courses:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Foresters

Others

53

25

515

302

53

25

515

302

TOTALS 78 817 78 817

Continuing Education:

In 2014, we had one “Avoiding Fines & Keeping your Records Updated” classes 

dealing with OSHA, State Police (Roadside Motor Carrier Safety Inspections), 

DMV (Driver Records and new laws), and La State Tax Department. We wanted 

La loggers to get first-hand information from those specific departments regarding 

all the new and updated laws for loggers of La. The program had 26 attendees 

with very positive feedback. 

In 2014, we had two classes each for BMP, Safety, F/A & E/C, & Business 

Management that gave CLE’s for attendance. BMP; Safety; F/A&E/C; BM; The 

program had 55 attendees with very positive feedback.

In 2015, our plans for continuing education are “Forestry Technology & Financial 

Freedom” classes. Johnny Thompson with Landmark Technology and Paul 

Spillers, Lindsay Torbett, & Terry McKay (Financial Freedom)

Total Number of individuals completing the curriculum as of December 31, 2014: 

515 Master Loggers + 302 Foresters = 817.

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014.)
32

MAINE

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Mike St. Peter, CLP Director Sherry F. Huber, Executive Director

St. Peter Safety Services Maine TREE Foundation

P.O. Box 557 P.O. Box 5470

Jackman, Maine 04945 Augusta, Maine 04332

Phone: 207.668.2851 Phone: 207.621.9872

Email: clploggers@myfairpoint.net Email: mtf@gwi.net

Program Name: Certified Logging Professional Program

The CLP program offers professional training and certification for Maine loggers. 

CLP was founded in 1991, a combined effort of loggers, landowners, 

environmental specialists and safety consultants to recognize a standard for 

professionalism in the Maine woods. An immediate goal of the program was to 

combat the high rate of logging accidents and the high Workers’ Compensation 

costs for logging contractors.

Today, under the sponsorship of the Maine TREE Foundation, the program takes 

pride in the fact that conventional loggers have earned a Workers’ Compensation 

rate 53% less than in 1993. The mechanical logging employees pay a rate 67% 

less than non-participants. Equally as important, our participants have helped 

CLP meet its overall objective of cultivating skill, knowledge and pride in the 

Maine woods.

It is the mission of the CLP program to provide the most current training and 

education for workers in the Maine logging industry. The successful CLP 

candidate will be prepared to work safely, productively, in a manner that protects, 

enhances and sustains the forest. Our program will evolve to reflect changes in 

the forest products industry and will provide a means for continual professional 

growth. 

Required Courses:

To be certified, candidates must attend a CLP-sponsored four-day workshop (32 

hours total) and then pass a work-site evaluation. The workshop includes three 

days of classroom instruction in first-aid/CPR, forest management and 

silviculture, safe and efficient wood harvesting, and business/utilization. The 

final day for conventional loggers is devoted to on-site instruction and hands-on 

tree felling using a nationally recognized logging training system. In 2006, CLP 

developed training specific to mechanized logging operations. The four days of 

training is as follows:

Day 1 Day 2

Introduction to CLP & SFI Forest Management/Silviculture

Professional Code of Ethics Forest Ecology & Management Systems

Intro to Safe and Efficient Harvesting Harvesting Laws

Logging Safety rules, OSHA regs. Conserving Fish and Wildlife
33

Transportation Safety Water Quality and Logging

Intro to Business of Logging Best Management Practices

Workers’ Compensation Water Quality laws

Independent Contractor Status Controlled Yarding

Understanding Insurance Safe skidding and mech. harvesting

Marketing & Utilization Cutting Area Layout Exercise

Tracking Operating Costs Hazardous Material Training

Day 3 Day 4

First Aid/CPR Directional Felling

Evacuation Plan Level 1 Game of Logging

CPR and Rescue Breathing Certification Interview Form 

First Aid for Loggers Ice Damage Harvesting and Safety

Bloodborne Pathogen Program or

First Aid Kit Inventory Mechanical Harvesting Safety & 

Efficiency

Certification:

To be certified, CLP candidates must pass an evaluation of their work site within 

six months of completing the course. Evaluators interview and observe work 

practices, and then determine whether the logger adheres to the CLP principles. 

The evaluators recommend certification for the individual logger, to the CLP 

Board of Directors. Candidates are allowed as many follow-up evaluations as 

necessary to meet CLP standards.

CLP candidates are offered certification in five separate categories: 

• Conventional – skidder and chainsaw operators

• Mechanical – harvesting and equipment operators

• Contractor/Supervisor – employers and individuals who supervise loggers

• Associate – people who have an interest in logging but who do not actively 

log or supervise loggers. This group includes: foresters, truckers, and 

other stakeholders in the logging industry

• Apprentice – graduates of high school and post secondary wood harvesting 

programs who qualify for apprentice program. Certification may be 

granted following six months paid experience.

Re-Certification:

A one-day re-certification session and field inspection is required within a year 

after the initial instruction and certification, and every two years thereafter for all 

categories. CLPs may be re-certified in one of three categories: conventional, 

mechanical, or contractor/supervisor. Contractor/Supervisor must complete an 

additional day of job-site supervisor safety training within the first year. Certified 

Logging Associates must also attend re-certification classes and demonstrate their 

knowledge of CLP principles during re-certification field interviews. CLPs are 

subject to periodic inspections.

Re-Certification Courses: 

Currently, CLP sponsors re-certification classes in Directional Felling- levels IIV, Filing and Reduced Downtime, Reducing Residual Stand Damage, HazMat 
34

and Jobsite Safety, Back Safety & Ergonomics for Mechanical Loggers, Harvest 

Planning & Layout, Jobsite Safety & Evaluation, Certification Systems, & 

Program Update classes for Supervisor/Contractors. CLP also approves outside 

workshops for re-certification in topics such as Best Management Practices, 

business management, estimating timber stand volume, skidder bridge mat 

construction, and aesthetics. Candidates for re-certification may submit a request 

to the Board for approval of outside training classes they have attended. 

Conventional CLP candidates must complete directional felling levels I-III before 

any other training will count toward their re-certification. 

Cost:

The fee for the initial course and certification is $545 per person, and $150 for 

recertification. 

Training Summary: 

*The total number trained does not represent the number of people currently certified. Active 

CLPs can be found on our website at www.clploggers.com.

Injuries & Illness rate per 100 workers: 

Statistics from Maine’s Department of Labor - Maine logging Injury and Illness 

rate for 2013 is 2.6 per 100 workers. This is 49% less than the average of all 

other Maine occupations in the private sector.

Funding Sources for the Program:

Actual Income and Expenditures for 2014 – $177,500.00

Participants Total 

completing 

CLP 

certification 

requirement 

in 2014

Total 

fulfilling 

recertification 

requirements 

in 2014

Estimated # 

to complete 

certification 

training in 

2015

Estimated # 

to complete 

recertification 

training in 

2015

Total trained 

since 1991

Logging 

Contractors

4 110 5 30 681

Logging 

Employees

64

–

mechanical

12 –

conventional

414 –

mechanical

105 - 

conventional

70 –

mechanical

10 -

conventional

480 –

mechanical

100 –

conventional

2,219–

mechanical

2,766 –

conventional

Others

(Foresters/Contract 

Admins.)

3 –

associates

33 –

associates

5 -

associates

20 –

associates

523 -

associates

TOTALS 83 662 90 630 *6,189
35

Income Sources:

Participant tuition – 96%

Maine SFI (SIC) contribution – 4% 

In Kind (over and above income source) Instruction & Evaluation Time 

(estimated)

From:

 Insurance Co. (MEMIC) $15,000

 State Agencies (MFS, DEP, IF & W) $20,000

 SFI $5,000

 University of Maine Forest $5,000

 Me. Forest Products Council $1,000

 Landowners, Mills $1,000

 Loggers $15,000

 Maine TREE Foundation $10,000

 St. Peter Safety Services $10,000

Total $92,000

Online Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014.)
36

MARYLAND/DELAWARE

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contacts: Bill Cheesman, Master Logger Steering Committee Chairman

PO Box 2677

Salisbury, MD 21802

Phone: 410.726.4563

FAX: 410.957.0638

Email: wcheesman@visionforestry.com

Lyle Almond, MD-DE Master Logger Program Coordinator

P.O. Box 169

Queenstown, MD 21658

Phone: 410.827.8056

FAX: 410.827.9039

Email: lalmond@umd.edu

Maryland Forests Association

Sarah Zembas, Communications Specialist

Maryland Forests Association, Inc.

PO Box 42016

Baltimore, MD 21284

Email: mdforestsassociation@gmail.com

Kenneth Roberts, SIC Chairman

24015 Westernport Road, SW

Westernport, MD 21562

Phone: 301.359.3311 

Email: ken.roberts@newpagecorp.com

Program

Name: Maryland/Delaware Master Logger Program

The Maryland/Delaware Master Logger Program is a cooperative effort of 

University of Maryland Extension (UME), Maryland Forests Association, 

Maryland Forest Service, Delaware Forest Service, and the forest products 

industry in Maryland. A UME educator administers the program under the 

direction of the MD/DE Master Logger Steering Committee. 

Required

Courses: The core component of the Master Logger Program consists of two modules, 

Sustainable Forestry and OSHA Logging Safety, and contains 16 contact hours. 

In addition to completing the Core education modules, participants must provide 

proof of current First Aid and CPR certification and sign a code of ethics in order 

to receive their Master Logger certificate. All core courses are generally 

delivered on demand by distance-learning formatted materials. The core program 

contains the following topics:
37

Sustainable Forestry Core (3 days, 12 contacts hours)

Sustainable Forestry I: BMP’s Erosion and Sediment Control; Logging 

Aesthetics

• MD “Green Card” Erosion and Sediment Control Certification

• BMP Regulations

• BMP Principles and Practices 

• Hazardous Chemical Spill Prevention and Control

• Timber Harvesting Aesthetics

Sustainable Forest Management II: Forest Ecology and Silviculture; Forest 

Certification

• Forest Certification

• Sustainable Forestry Initiative

• Introduction to Forest Ecology

• Introduction to Silviculture

Sustainable Forestry III: Endangered Species; Logger Activism

• History of Endangered species in U.S

• Introduction to the ESA

• Federal ESA regulations

• State Specific RTE regulations

• Description of MD State RTE species 

• Introduction to Outreach and Activism

• Activism tools and techniques

OSHA Logging Safety Core (1 Day - 4 hours)

• Presentation of Statistics on Logging Injuries

• Introduction to OSHA Logging Standard

• OSHA Requirements for Timber Harvesting

• Cutting Safety: Chainsaw and Mechanical

• Skidding Safe Practices 

• Loading Safe Practices

• Trucking Safe Practices

First Aid and CPR

Training taken and maintained through nationally recognized programs such as 

American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Continuing Education

Courses: Participants must complete 8 hours of continuing education courses every two 

years in order to maintain their active status in the program. Maryland offered the 

following continuing education courses in 2014: 

• Sustainable Forestry Refresher Workshop (Spring 2014)

• Managing Invasive Plants on Logging Units (Fall 2014)

As a University of Maryland program, the MD/DE Master Logger Program is not 

in the position to conduct job-site inspections, due to its nature as an enforcement 
38

activity. In the place of site inspections, 20-30 minute tailgate safety sessions are 

occasionally conducted at selected operations.

In addition, program participants can receive CE credit for participating in local 

forestry boards, taking community college classes, or organizing a tour of their 

operation. SFI-approved courses taken in West Virginia, Pennsylvania or 

Virginia may also be submitted for credit. Eligible program participants (those 

who have not taken the core program in the last two years) can also take the 

OSHA Logging Safety, Sustainable Forestry I, and Sustainable Forestry III 

classes for CE credit.

Courses scheduled for 2015:

Core courses will be offered through distance learning by DVD on an as-needed 

basis in 2015. 

CE courses planned for 2015 include:

• Advanced Silviculture Wprlshop (Spring 2015)

• Revised Forest Operator Sedimentation and Erosion BMP Training

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual 

Number 

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated 

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated 

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

TOTALS 7* 75* 7* 700***

*Records do not indicate job classification.

** New revisions to Maryland State BMPs for Sedimentation and Erosion will require 

retraining all forest operators registered with the State of Maryland.

Production

Data: Not Available.
39

Program 

Funding: Funding for the program is currently provided primarily by assessments of SFI 

participating companies and grants from Maryland and Delaware Forest Services. 

Course fees also support program costs. 

Training Modules:

The MD/DE Master Logger program offers all four core courses as recorded 

DVDs provided on demand. The cost is $30 per logger to take any core course.

Continuing education classes are generally offered as workshops offered in a live 

classroom setting at least twice a year in at least two locations across the State.
40

MICHIGAN

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Scott Robbins 

Michigan Forest Products Council

110 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 100

Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: 517.853.8880

FAX: 517.853.1093

Email: srobbins@michiganforest.com

Program

Name: Michigan SFI-IC Sustainable Forestry Education Program

The MI SFI-IC Sustainable Forestry Education (SFE) Program is supported by 

SFI Program Participants throughout Michigan. It is funded through MI SFI IC 

Program Participant assessments and administered by the Michigan Forest 

Products Council Foundation through an MOU outlining a semi-autonomous 

relationship to provide the educational programming. Furthermore, oversight and 

guidance of the MI SFI-IC SFE Logger Education is provided by the Michigan 

SFI Implementation Committee that meets throughout the year.

As logger education has matured over the last 20 plus years, changes to the logger 

education program have occurred that have caused some reshaping of the program 

and funding in response to this “maturation” process. Some of these changes have 

been driven by changes in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standard and 

Rules as revisions were made, while others were made based upon how to 

improve the overall quality of logger education program here in Michigan.

The Michigan SFI Implementation Committee currently facilitates the various 

training curriculum, calendar and schedules. Logger training is sponsored by a 

variety of groups including: MFPC, Michigan Association of Timbermen, and 

others. 

Recap of Michigan SFE Logger Education in 2014

In 2014, the majority of logger education training was concentrated into two 

discrete blocks of time over the calendar year (instead of year-round). That period 

roughly corresponds to spring and fall. These two time periods seem best in 

Michigan to facilitate attendance by loggers –especially during spring break-up or 

wet season of the calendar year. In addition, this schedule is designed to conclude 

training early enough in the fall to determine who had not completed their 

continuing education requirements for the year. In 2014, there were 34 SFE 

Continuing Education (CE) training programs and 4 Core Training programs 

offered across Michigan. The MI SFI Implementation Committee was the 

primary provider of SFE training. There were 961 participants in continuing 

education programs in 2014. There were 62 participants in the core training 

programs in Michigan in 2014.
41

Other offerings of safety, timber cruising and spring logger meetings are also 

available for obtaining MI SFI SFE training credits. It should also be noted that 

there are other types of continuing education training programs (for credit hours) 

which are sponsored by other allied forestry-based organizations in Michigan, 

other than the MI SFI IC during the course of the year. Such organizations 

include, the Michigan Association of Timbermen SFI Program Participants. The 

MI Department of Agriculture also sponsored various courses through the 

Conservation District Forester programs and the MI Department of 

Environmental Quality held two training sessions on stream crossing and BMP 

guidelines.

The Michigan SFI IC tracks logger training and is the administrator of the 

database. There were a total of 50 classes offered and 200 credit hours available 

for SFE training in MI counting all continuing education and core classes.

Since 2006, participation in logger education programs in Michigan is now a 

requirement by both the forest industry as well as the State of Michigan. In 2006, 

state-owned forestlands in Michigan (managed by the Michigan Department of 

Natural Resources Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division) were certified 

under both the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council 

certification systems.

Under the State of Michigan’s certification standards, the MDNR – Forest, 

Mineral and Fire Management Division has chosen to rely upon the MI SFE 

Logger Education program as the criteria for the trained logger or qualified 

logging professional (QLP) status. Any logger or timber company that wishes to 

bid on and harvest timber from state-owned forestlands must comply with the 

standards set forth under the MI SFI SFE Logger Education program. 

Since the inception of the SFE Logger Education Program, the overall goals 

of the Michigan SFE program continue to be: 1) to provide needed Core and 

continuing educational opportunities for loggers, foresters and landowners and 2) 

to improve the level of communication between loggers, foresters and landowners 

to enhance the sustainability of Michigan’s forestlands. Better training and 

communication will hopefully lead to more sustainable management of 

Michigan’s forestlands.

Required

Courses: NOTE: The MI SFI SFE Core Training courses are the only required courses in 

Michigan to attain the QLP status. However, once a logging professional

completes the Core training program and becomes a QLP, they are alsorequired 

to complete 4 hours of continuing education annually. Loggers can choose which 

continuing education options that they wish to attend.

The MI SFI SFE Core Logger Education Training Program is composed of four 

workshop modules that total approximately 16 contact hours. Upon completion of 

the 16 hours, a Certificate of Completion is provided to participants. The four 

core workshop modules are:
42

Forest Ecology (2 hours) Silviculture (2 hours)

The forest ecology portion begins with an explanation for the development and 

establishment of the SFI certification program. It outlines the extent of the 

initiative and the guidelines for successful implementation. The underlying 

themes are: 1) the concern and action of foresters, loggers and landowners can 

lead to continued long-term sustainability of our forests for present and future 

needs and 2) the forest has many interconnections, many of which cannot be seen, 

that are vital to the maintenance of a healthy forest ecosystem. 

The silviculture portion covers the definition and application of silvicultural 

treatments to forest management in Michigan. The goal is to show that 

silviculture has developed systems for the establishment, growth and regeneration 

of various tree species that are intent upon ensuring stand quality, regeneration, 

and sustainability. The two underlying themes in this module are: 1) that 

silviculture is applying the knowledge of forest ecology and silvics to tree 

growing, and 2) that silviculture is dependent upon forest ecology concepts such 

as tolerance, site productivity and succession.

Sustainable Soil &Water Quality Best Management Practices (4 hours)

The best management practices module covers the description of how and why 

voluntary best management practices (BMPs) were developed for Michigan, how 

they can be applied during harvesting operations and how they are being 

monitored. This module also discusses the laws pertaining to maintaining water 

quality in Michigan, including when permits are needed, the requirements for 

permits and the public agencies responsible for issuing permits. The underlying 

themes in this module are: 1) that BMPs are voluntary; 2) BMPs can be used with 

little or no additional cost to landowner or logger in many instances; and 3) BMP 

implementation by loggers, foresters and landowners will be more effective for 

the ecological and economic sustainability of timber resources than state 

regulation. 

Harvesting Safety Awareness (MIOSHA ) (4 hours)

The harvesting safety awareness module stresses that timber harvesting is a 

dangerous occupation that can be made safer with improved adherence to safety 

regulations. Two underlying themes are: (1) there is a need to minimize hazards 

for workers, and (2) improved safety records leads to lower worker's 

compensation premiums. The goal is to make every participant aware of both the 

legal requirements and the latest safety practices to make the job site safer. 

Field Application (4 hours or more)

The goal of a field day is to show and discuss many of the topics that were 

covered in the previous forest ecology, silviculture, and BMP modules. The 

underlying theme is that the combination of participant experience and knowledge 

with thoughtful application will provide for the long-term sustainability of forest 

management in Michigan.
43

Continuing 

Education

Programs: A large amount of the time and effort is dedicated towards the Michigan SFE 

Program Continuing Education requirements. CE is now a requirement in the 

2015-2019 SFI Standard and Rules.. In Michigan, each logging company is 

required to designate key field personnel to complete the MI SFE Core Training 

Program and become QLPs. In addition to this each QLP must complete 4 hours 

of CE annually.

Following is a list of training options that were offered as Continuing Education 

programs by MFPC and others for the 2014 calendar year:

• Truck safety, harvesting ( 3 times/locations)

• Basic Maintenance / New Technology (8 times/locations)

• T &E Species, Forests of High Conservation Value, Special Sites (2 

times/locations)

• Invasives’ (1 times/locations)

• Business Management (2 time/location)

• Bucking for grade (multiple time/locations)

(Additional Note: Time of day that these programs are offered varies; most are 

now 4 hour time slots in the morning, afternoon or evening during the workweek. While a few others are day-long 8 hour sessions. A mix of time slots and 

locations are offered to enable loggers to choose what best suits their individual 

needs and/or operation.)

Summary: Approximately 961 loggers and foresters participated in the MI SFE CE training 

program in 2014 and 62 participated in core training programs.

Additional

Courses

Available: Safety Training

Safety training, while important, is not the primary focus of the SFE Logger 

Education Program. While safety is addressed in all the SFE Core Training 

Programs (i.e. the MIOSHA Logging Standard, etc.) and in a few SFE Continuing 

Education sessions throughout the year, there are other organizations in Michigan 

who conduct logger safety training on a more regular basis. 

Industry and company meetings: 

There are also training opportunities scheduled in with many day long spring 

logger meetings. These meetings may be sponsored by various trade associations 

of companies. We are in the process of developing more outdoor training 

opportunities for 2015 as pointed out in a 2014 survey from trainees.
44

MINNESOTA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Chris DeRosier, Executive Assistant

Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP)

Minnesota Master Logger Certification Program (MMLC)

301 W 1st Street; Suite 510

Duluth, MN55802-1613

Phone: 218.722.5442

Fax: 218.722.5196

Web Page: www.mlep.org – sign up for our monthly eUpdate!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Minnesota-Logger-EducationProgram/149152883925

Email: Chris.DeRosier@mlep.org

Program

Name: Minnesota Logger Education Program

The Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP) is a logger-initiated program 

established in 1995 to provide assistance to Minnesota’s logging community 

through educational programming. This objective is accomplished by partnering 

with numerous groups to identify needs and facilitating the development design, 

delivery, and evaluation of programs which focus on sustainable forest 

management, transportation, safety and business management. MLEP, which is 

based in Duluth, MN, is a 501(c)(3) organization. 

The Minnesota Logger Education Program is governed by a thirteen-member 

board of directors representing the Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers, 

Timber Producers Association, Minnesota Forestry Association, Department of 

Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, timber industry and 

environmental/conservation community. MLEP is committed to ensuring our 

training meets the expectations of loggers and industry - and the scrutiny of 

certification programs, customers, opinion leaders and the public.

MLEP membership is comprised of logging business owners, wood dealers and 

associate members. Membership is voluntary and reflects the commitment of 

logging business owners to safe, productive, and environmentally responsible 

timber harvesting. MLEP is funded through membership fees and grants.

Beyond its primary logger education focus, MLEP was involved with the 

development of Minnesota's Public Concern Registration Process and is a 

member of the Minnesota Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) State 

Implementation Committee (SIC). MLEP is active in public outreach and 

landowner education efforts. Finally, MLEP has played an important role in 

assisting research efforts and the collection of information related to effective 
45

program planning and funding strategies for logger education programming 

throughout the United States.

Minnesota Master Logger Certification - www.mlep.org/mmlc.htm

Minnesota Master Logger Certification (MMLC), as administered through MLEP, 

is a performance-based program for loggers that recognize training, experience, 

and the application of specific practices. MMLC has been endorsed by Time Inc. 

as meeting the requirements of their Certified Sustainable Forestry program. The 

Minnesota Master Logger Certification Program is a third-party audited 

certification of a logging operation’s business and harvest practices. As of March 

20, there are 37 Minnesota Certified Master Loggers.

Required

Courses: The Minnesota Logger Education Program, in cooperation with the Minnesota 

SFI® Implementation Committee (SIC), agree that to be considered (1) a 

“qualified logging professional (QLP)” in Minnesota (as defined in the SFI 2010-

2014 Standard) and (2) maintain your MLEP membership you must meet the 

following requirements:

First-year training requirements

Provisional members (applicants) are required to attend three days of training 

covering safety, first aid, CPR, and Minnesota’s Forest Management Guidelines 

(BMPs). 

Guideline Training: 16 hours of training on the Forest Management Guidelines

Safety Training: 8 hours of first-aid and CPR training is required (LogSafe)

Annual training requirements

To maintain MLEP membership, a business owner and/or an “in-woods” person 

actively responsible for the logging site must attend:

Safety Training - Twelve (12) hours of safety training every two years

Four (4) hours of CPR

Four (4) hours of First-Aid

Four (4) hours of Safety Training

Continuing Education - Twelve (12) hours of MLEP training every two years. 

Mix of 4 and 8 hour workshops:

Logger Conferences: Logger conferences will include a review of monitoring and 

audit results, any necessary and required contractor training and breakout sessions 

which address sustainable forest management, transportation, safety and business 

management topics.
46

Professional Training: Professional training workshops focus on specialized 

training in one of the following topic areas: sustainable forest management, 

transportation, safety and business management.

MLEP training addresses Indicators 1a-1j of Objective 16, Performance Measure 

16.2 of the SFI 2010-2014 Standard.

At a minimum, SFI requires the business owner and one “in-woods” person 

actively responsible for each logging site must be a “qualified logging 

professional”. In some cases, the business owner may also be the “in-woods” 

person. 

Logger Certification

The Minnesota SIC recognizes the Minnesota Master Logger Certification 

program as meeting the requirements for a credible logger certification program 

as detailed in Objective 16, Performance Measure 16.2, Indicators 2a-2h of the 

SFI 2010-2014 Standard. Further, a Minnesota Certified Master Logger is 

recognized by the SIC as a “certified logging professional (CLP)” as defined by 

the SFI 2010-2014 Standard. 

QLP and CLP Lists

The electronic training record database maintained and distributed quarterly by 

MLEP provides a timely training record history of all QLPs in Minnesota. 

Additionally, a list of all current CLPs can be accessed on our website (Objective 

9, Performance Measure 9.1, Indicator 2 of the SFI 2010-2014 Standard.

Course

Descriptions: Forest Management Guidelines Field Training

Training on Minnesota’s Forest Management Guidelines is available online. The 

eFMG training provides an introduction to Minnesota’s Forest Management and 

Biomass Harvesting Guidelines. All new MLEP members, as well as those 

reapplying for MLEP membership, are required to complete this training.

After finishing the training, participants will be knowledgeable of the Guidelines 

and how to implement them in their sale design and harvest operations. The 

online course is a series of modules that provide an overview of the Guidelines. 

Topics include: cultural resources, forest soils, riparian areas, wildlife habitat, 

stream & wetland approaches & crossings, spills, water diversion and erosion 

control, planning considerations and tools, visual quality and waterbody 

identification in the context of timber harvesting and forest road building. 

Other MLEP continuing education training workshop options and 

descriptions

 2015 http://www.mlep.org/trainingcurrent.htm

 2014 http://www.mlep.org/training2014.htm

 2013 http://www.mlep.org/training2013.htm
47

 2012 http://www.mlep.org/training2012.htm

 2011 http://www.mlep.org/training2011.htm

 2010 http://www.mlep.org/training2010.htm

 2009 http://www.mlep.org/training2009.htm

 2008 http://www.mlep.org/training2008.htm

 2007 http://www.mlep.org/training2007.htm

Online Training Options

• http://www.mlep.org/trainingonlinemain.htm

Training Notes and Summaries from our workshops are available at: 

www.mlep.org/trainingNotes.htm

Annual

Membership

Renewal: To maintain MLEP membership status, each business owner must provide 

verification of the non-educational requirements listed above, submit a 

membership renewal fee based on their annual timber volume, and attend two 

days of continuing education each year. Specific topics incorporated into training 

sessions will be determined on a year-to-year basis by the Board of Directors 

from among the following topic areas:

• Sustainable Forest Management

• Transportation

• Business Management

• Safety

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete LT&E

Program in 2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Natural Resource 

Managers

367

222

16

1098 (C&E)

176

380

230

25

1100 (C&E)

180

TOTALS 605 1,274 635 1,280

Production

Data: Survey updates indicate that MLEP members are responsible for harvesting more 

than 95% of the state’s annual harvest of 2.5 million cords. Detailed information 
48

on the status and capacity of logging businesses in Minnesota’s can be accessed 

here: http://www.forestry.umn.edu/sites/forestry.umn.edu/files/Staffpaper226.pdf

Program

Funding: The Minnesota Logger Education Program is primarily funded through 

membership dues, some course fees and periodic grants. Logging business 

memberships are from $175-$350 annually. As a benefit of membership, almost 

all of MLEP’s continuing education courses are free of charge for members and 

their employees. 

More information on our funding and budget are included in our latest Annual 

Reports:

MLEP - http://www.mlep.org/documents/mlepannualrept2013.pdf

MMLC - http://www.mlep.org/MMLC/mmlcannualrept2013.pdf
49

MISSISSIPPI

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact:

Mr. John B. Auel

 MS Professional Logging Manager Coordinator

Department of Forestry

Mississippi State University

Box 9681

Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762-9681

Phone: 662.325.7948 Fax: 662.325.0375

Email: john.bauel@asstate.edu

Program

Name: Mississippi Professional Logging Manager Program

The Mississippi Implementation Committee for SFI (MIC) and the Mississippi 

State University Extension Service have developed a comprehensive continuing 

education program for loggers. The MS Professional Logging Manager Program 

(MS PLM) is designed specifically to meet the training requirements for Qualified 

Logging Professionals under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards.

Funding for the MS PLM program comes from three sources, a grant from the 

MIC, MSU Extension Service and registration fees. The MIC provides funds for 

the administrative assistant position, database maintenance and mailings. MSU 

Extension provides coordinator salary and benefits. The majority of funding is 

generated from registration fees that vary by program offering to cover the costs of 

materials, meals, travel and contracted instructor fees. In 2014, 327 individuals 

attended one or more of the core set of classes. An additional 1,300 individuals or 

companies participated in program sponsored or approved continuing education 

activities. 

Recently, the State Implementation Committee has decided that individuals who 

have not met certain requirements will be dropped from the program and must start 

over again if they wish to renew their PLM Status. This will change the numbers 

reported here and in other publications. Starting next year, we will no longer be 

able to report numbers since the beginning of the program in 1996. The only 

numbers available will be for the current and previous continuing education 

periods. 

Required

Courses: This Program includes training in the following areas:

1) Introduction to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative

2) Best Management Practices

3) Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety

4) Logging Business Management

5) 12 Hours of Continuing education every two years (next deadline is December 

1, 2016).
50

Other: During 2015, we will continue to offer all four core workshops as well as 

continuing education programs.

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

1 or both Core 

Classes for 

PLM 

Programs in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Number of 

individuals

327 1,300 150 500

TOTALS 327 1,3002 1501 5002

 1

Total individuals completing core program plus 12 hours of continuing education 2

Total individuals either participating in core OR submitting continuing education 

credits

Number of Individuals who are Qualified Logging Professionals - 121

Number of Qualified Logging Companies - 980

Production

Data: Accurate production figures are not available.

It is estimated that over 90% of total production is delivered by PLM Loggers.

Training Modules: No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014. 
51

MISSOURI 

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Mark McCarthy

Certification & Education Manager

Missouri Forest Products Association

505 East State Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Phone: 573.634.3252

Cell: 573.690.6895

Fax: 573.636.2591

mark@moforest.org

www.moforest.org

The Missouri Forest Products Association (MFPA) sponsors the voluntary logger 

training and education program in the state of Missouri. In addition to the Board 

of Directors, a separate Education Committee, composed of twenty members 

representing logging, industry, landowners, consulting foresters, the state 

forester’s office, and the university extension office oversees the program.

Program

Name: Professional Timber Harvester (PTH) Program includes:

1. One 8-hour forest management session emphasizing the implementation of 

BMPs.

2. Four 8-hour hands-on sessions which emphasize safety, cutting and felling 

techniques and proper equipment maintenance.

The PTH Program is fortunate to have Joe Glenn as the instructor for the handson sessions that teach “SAWW (Safety And Woods Workers) techniques to 

Missouri’s loggers. Currently, there are over 400 loggers who have completed and 

maintained current status by completing the annual CE requirement.

A certificate of completion is issued which expires annually. An average of 70 

participants complete this track each year.

Continuing

Education: We require one mandatory session each year. Classes we conduct include BMP 

Workshop, Forest Management & Silviculture, Wilderness First Responder, 

Advanced Skidder Training, and In-Woods Logging Demonstration and Logger 

Workshop. Loggers can also submit approval for classes conducted outside our 

curriculum.

Program 

Funding: The PTH Program is partially funded by the registration fees paid by participants. 

The 5–day core program cost is $155 for MFPA members. In addition, the 

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) provides an annual grant of $80,000 
52

and requires that all loggers who bid on State timber sales must be PTH Program 

certified.

Other: Logging Competition: Annual education competition to evaluate loggers’ skills, 

to introduce new techniques, and to provide a competition to showcase logger 

training.

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

TOTALS* 131 396 100 396

*Job classification was not provided.

Production

Data: Not available.

Training Modules:

Two DVD’s (Log Deck Safety and Woodyard Safety) which included a short test 

were provided to loggers unable to attend “live” training in 2012.

Online training modules are being offered through the MFPA website. 

(modules not being offered at this moment due to website construction)
53

MONTANA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Keith Olson, Executive Director

 Montana Logging Association (MLA)

 P.O. Box 1716

Kalispell, Montana 59901

Phone: 406.752.3168

Fax: 406.756.9574

Email: keith@logging.org

Program

Name: Accredited Logging Professionals

Logger training in Montana began in 1994 when the MLA established Montana’s 

“Accredited Logging Professional” (ALP) Program. As of January 2012, the 

program lists 132 active professional loggers in Montana.

The educational requirement for attainment of ALP status is completion of a 56 

credits/hours curriculum. The annual requirement for retention of ALP status is 32 

credits/hours.

The heart of the attainment phase of ALP is completion of Montana’s “Forest 

Stewardship Workshop for Loggers,” a 40 credit/hour mandatory course 

developed by extension forestry, which essentially mirrors the Forest Stewardship 

workshop developed for Montana landowners in 1991.

The ALP Program is a voluntary commitment by individual logging professionals 

overseen by a steering committee of ALP members and, in recent years 

administered in concert with Montana’s SFI program through the Montana Forest 

Council.

The Forest Stewardship Workshop for Loggers is team-taught by Certified 

Stewardship Advisors through the cooperation of Extension Forestry – Montana 

State University.

The MLA believes this successful voluntary ALP Program operates in place of a 

state regulated certification or licensing program.

Required

Courses: Specific elements of Montana’s ALP program include the following 

requirements:

Forest Stewardship Workshop for Loggers

A five-day workshop held in both classroom and field settings, with instructional 

materials on topics including...

1) How to read the forest. Is it healthy?

2) Identification of plants critical to forest health. 
54

3) How to measure wildlife and livestock use in the forest.

4) How to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan.

5) The responsibilities of a professional logger.

Logging Safety Training

The development of a dynamic written safety program for logging operations 

including annual First Aid and CPR instruction for crew members.

Demonstration Field Audits

Since 1996, field audits have been conducted to provide loggers with decisionmaking skills that use Best Management Practices to avoid resource degradation.

Other: Required 32 hours of continuing logger education annually for company owners 

to maintain proficiency and ALP accreditation. Continuing education hours must 

be allocated to instruction in three areas:

• Forest Stewardship/Forestry (16 hours)

• Safety Hazards & Loss Prevention (8 hours)

• Operational Sustainability (8 hours)

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

92

34

 

TOTALS 126 940 130 950

* Records do not indicate job classification.

Production

Data: MLA estimates that 70% of the 450 MMBF annually harvested in Montana is 

produced by ALP loggers.

Program 

Funding: Base funding for the program is supplied through the Montana Forest Council 

(MFC), consisting of the MLA, the Montana Wood Products Association and 

SFI-participating members in Montana.

Minimal funds are also generated through individual workshop registration fees. 

Of worthy note, many workshop instructors volunteer their time, requiring that 

only expenses be reimbursed.

Training Modules: (No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014)
55

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Steve Patten

New Hampshire Timber Harvesting Council

54 Portsmouth Street

Concord, New Hampshire 03301

Phone: 603.224.9699, 748.1094

Email: SPatten@nhtoa.org

Website: www.nhtoa.org

Program

Name: New Hampshire Professional Loggers

New Hampshire’s Professional Loggers Program (PLP) is operated under the 

auspices of the New Hampshire Timber Harvesting Council in cooperation with 

the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, UNH’s Thompson School 

of Applied Science, and the UNH Cooperative Extension. NH PLP is endorsed 

by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

PLP is a voluntary certification program open to anyone gainfully employed in 

the harvesting of timber, including trucking. To initially certify as a PLP 

graduate, 32 hours of course work are required in a two-year period. The NH 

Timber Harvesting Council now has free, on-line access to its Logger Directory 

available from www.nhtoa.org. A total of 28 workshops were conducted during 

2014 with a total attendance of 452.

Required

Courses: For loggers, equipment operators, and others engaged in logging, four core areas 

of instruction (eight hours each) are required:

Fundamentals of Forestry Safe and Productive Felling

1) New Hampshire forest history 1) OSHA guidelines

2) Basics of silviculture 2) Safety apparel

3) Basics of tree management 3) Safe saw handling

4) Basics of wildlife management 4) Open face felling

Timber Harvesting Law First Aid and CPR

1) Applicable state laws and taxation 1) First Aid and CPR training

2) State BMPs 2) Accident response & 

3) Wetlands Identification evacuation plan

Note: For truckers, a Safe Trucking course is added, substituting for Safe and 

Productive Felling. For mechanized logging contractors, the Mechanized 

Harvesting class can be substituted for Safe And Productive Felling.
56

Certification

Requirements: Initial certification is for four years. First aid/CPR is required every two years 

and provides1/2 of the credits (16 of 32) needed for re-certification. To 

maintain certification, loggers/truckers need to take only one class per year.

Continuing

Education

Courses: Courses offered by NH PLP that qualify for continuing education credit are: 

Advanced Felling, a “Flames, Fluids and Flushing” workshop, Mechanized 

Logging-hydraulic and electrical troubleshooting, Welding-basic & advanced, 

and a road building techniques workshop.

The NH PLP Education Committee will meet in June to develop more CEU 

workshops for the fall. The highest percentage of enrollees will be those in 

need of re-certification. In 2014 a total of 63 loggers and truckers were either 

newly certified or re-certified.

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other (out of 

state)

TOTALS* 63 452 60 550

Production

Data: Estimated annual production from PLP certified loggers: We estimate that 70% of 

the wood harvested in New Hampshire comes from operations that have fully 

trained loggers or foresters overseeing the operation. By that estimate, a little 

over 2.4 million tons of forest products are harvested annually in New Hampshire 

by fully trained loggers. These are based on numbers from 2014, and we figure 

that the total volume has increased in the past year as the economy recovers. 

Funding Sources for the Program:

Class fees

Fund raising at the Annual Loggers and Truckers Convention

Contribution from SFI
57

Membership dues

Grant funding from Northeastern Loggers Association for the SWAT workshops.

Online Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered in 2013. We are not 

pursing this model at this time, as we feel the networking that comes from 

attending in person workshops is part of the real value of our program.)

Respectfully submitted by Eric Johnson and Steve Patten, NHTOA.
58

NEW MEXICO

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Jose J. Varela Lopez, Executive Director

New Mexico Forest Industry Association

PO Box 32191

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87594

Cell: 505.660.5828

Email: nmfia1@gmail.com

Program

Name: Forest Worker Safety Certification (FWSC) Training Program

The purpose of the FWSC Training Program is to to develop, support and provide 

a course curriculum to improve knowledge and implementation of safe forestry 

practices in New Mexico. The FWSC curriculum is designed for loggers and 

thinners. The curriculum is approved by the New Mexico Division of Insurance 

and Workers’ Compensation Administration. Successful graduates are entitled to 

reduced Workers’ Compensation insurance premiums. First time participants take 

a three-day course. An annual one-day re-certification is required in order to 

maintain reduced insurance premiums.

Required

Courses:

Description Classroom/Lecture/Discussion/Field

Full-certification (first time)

• Dynamics of Southwestern Forests 1.5 hours

• Safety Requirements 5 hours

• Chain Saw Maintenance and Operations 3.5 hours

• Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques 4 hours

• Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Mitigation 1.5 hours

• Logging Equipment and Transportation Safety 3 hours

• Field Demonstration 3 hours

• Final Exam 1 hour

• Forest Worker First Aid/CPR 8 hours 

 Completed in three days

Re-certification (annual renewal)

• Forest Worker First Aid/CPR 4 hours

• Field Demonstration 4 hours

Completed in one day
59

Training Summary:

*Records do not indicate job classification

Program

Funding:

Funding for the FWSC comes from a combination of sources including:

• NM State Legislature

• Grants

• Participant contributions

• In-kind donations

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014)

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Submitting 

Renewal 

Credits in

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Renewal

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

TOTALS* 107 53 125 75
60

NEW YORK

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: New York Logger Training, Inc.

Attn: Muriel Church

47 Van Alstyne Dr.

Rensselaer, New York 12144

Phone: 518/463-1297 x3

Fax: 518/426-9502

Website: www.newyorkloggertraining.org

e-mail: mchurch@esfpa.org

Program

Name: Trained Logger Certification Program (TLC)

TLC is operated by New York Logger Training Inc., a non-profit organization 

that coordinates logger training activities in New York. NYLT’s Board is 

comprised of predominately loggers, as well as representatives from industry, 

academia, State government, and foresters. NYLT has been issuing Certification 

since 1996.

TLC requires a participant to attend an initial core set of courses that certify him 

for 3 years. For continued certification, TLC graduates must take 3 credits (full 

day workshops) of accredited elective training courses. Individuals who have 

allowed their certification to expire may be eligible for reinstatement by meeting 

certain Continuing Education criteria and applying to the Certification 

Committee.

Required

Courses: Three required core courses (8 hours each) cover the following topics:

Forest Ecology and Silviculture (includes BMPs)

Chain Saw Operation, Safety and Productivity (Game of Loggingtm used)

First Aid Training and CPR

In addition to the workshops offered, two Forest Technician degree programs are 

accredited to bestow TLC to qualified students.

Other: Certification is valid for three years. 3 Continuing Education credits over the 

three year certification period and proof of valid First Aid and CPR are required 

for recertification. Workshops are available through existing providers or 

developed and presented by NYLT. Last year, course topics included:

Game of Logging Rehabiliation of Forest Stands

Invasive Forest Species Header Planning & Safety Hazard Trees Mechanized 

Harvesting

Critical Injury Response for Loggers Intro to GPS
61

As of August 1, 2010, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 

required TLC for all persons working on state forestlands on contracts in excess 

of $ 500.

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Foresters/Logging

Administrators

Other

90

10

777

97

TOTALS* 100 874 200 800

*Records do not indicate job classification – NYLT workshops are open to all participants

regardless of affiliation or job description.

Production Data: Production data for certified loggers is not available.

Funding Sources for the Program:

Grants: 50% NYLT through a Grant to the Empire State Forest Products Association has 

been awarded New York State Department of Labor Hazard Abatement Board 

Occupational Safety Training & Education grants to assist with developing and 

conducting safety training courses. The SFI Implementation Committee and 

private companies make up the balance of the grant funding.

Participant Fees: $20 Administration fee to register non-NYLT sponsored workshops 

(excluding FA/CPR which has no fee).

Adminstrative fee per credit -15%

SFI SIC- 20% for administration.

In-Kind Services: NYLT depends less each year upon the generosity of industry, consultants, 

non-profit groups, extension, college, and state agriculture and forestry 

departments, and OSHA personnel for instructors, classroom meeting space, and 

field locations. We work closely with Vocational and Technical schools to 

provide training opportunities and materials so that graduates qualify for 

certification.

Online Training Modules: (No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014.)
62

NORTH CAROLINA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Eddie Reese

North Carolina Forestry Association

1600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite I

Raleigh, North Carolina 27608-2355

919.834.3943

ereese@ncforestry.org

Program

Name: North Carolina ProLogger

The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) ProLogger Program provides 

information and training in several major areas:

Required

Courses: Safety

Business Management

Transportation 

Forest Management and Environment

These courses have been approved by the North Carolina Department of 

Community Colleges as continuing education courses able to be taught at any of 

the state's 58 community college locations. Registrations are sent to the NCFA 

with a check for $250.00 to cover college fees, class workbooks and instructor 

fees. A portion of the registration fee is allocated to membership, with all 

registrants becoming NCFA members. Instructors are provided by the Division of 

Forest Resources, NC Dept of Labor (OSHA), Forestry Mutual Insurance, NC 

State Highway Patrol, NC Department of Agriculture, American Tree Farm 

System, NCFA staff, and others. They also provide support for the annual 

continuing education requirements. Class content is updated as conditions 

warrant.

Each fall, schedules are established for the coming year's classes. Three are 

normally held each year at different geographic locations across the state. NCFA 

contacts the closest community college and schedules the classes. The three basic 

concepts are interspersed over a three-day period. 

The final day of training consists of a visit to an active logging site. Topics 

discussed during the indoor sessions are applied in a practicum addressing safety, 

environmental, and business issues. Upon completion of ProLogger Training, the 

NCFA keeps participants posted of any upcoming workshops or events that are 

available regarding logger education and information via website and the 

Treeline, the monthly newsletter. Occasionally, direct mailings are sent to each 

current ProLogger.
63

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2018

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

87

9

12

920

325

217

*TOTALS 108 1,462 121 1,462

 * Combined totals 

Production

Data: It is estimated that 90% of all forest products produced in the state is from trained 

loggers.

Continuing

Education: The continuing education requirement for the ProLogger program is an annual 

training program which is developed by the NCFA. The year runs from July 1st -

June 30th. There is an annual fee of $110 which includes all class fees and 

membership in the NCFA. There are 1,462 ProLoggers who have met the 

requirements for the 2014-2015 year.

Additional

Training

Available: Defensive Truck Driver Training- A four-hour course, typically on Saturday 

mornings, for truckers and boss loggers who want to learn how to drive 

defensively and to plan logging sites to avoid crashes involving trucks.

Continuing Education Modules - A ten-volume series of three-hour training 

sessions are available to facilitate the annual continuing education requirement. 

Included in the series are the following topics:

Module 1 - (Obsolete)

Module 2 - Water Quality Field Session (one hour); Stream Identification 

and Classification (one hour); Keep NC Green and Growing (one hour).
64

Module 3 - Equipment Operation Safety (Feller Buncher, Skidder, Chain 

Saw) (one hour); Knuckleboom Loader Operation (one hour); Oil Spills 

and Hazardous Communication (one hour).

Module 4 - SFI for Professional Loggers (one hour); Forestry Aesthetics 

(one hour); BMPs for Land Management Contractors (one hour).

Module 5 - 4x4 Off Road Driving/In the Company of Trucks (one hour); 

Coaching the Professional Logger (one hour); Loss Control for the 

Professional Logger (one hour).

Module 6 - Overhead Hazards/Slips Trips and Falls (one hour); 

Bridgemats and Stream Crossings (one hour); Planning and Managing a 

Logging Job (one hour). 

Module 7 - Log Deck Safety (one hour); BMP's for Skid Trails (40 

minutes); OSHA Regulations (40 minutes); Hazard Materials Regulations 

(40 minutes); Equipment Maintenance (30 minutes). 

Module 8 - NC Best Management Practices for Improving Water Quality 

+ What to Expect From a Division of Forest Resources Inspection. NC 

implemented new BMPs for water quality late in 2006; this 3-hour DVD 

reviews changes and BMPs for improving water quality. Although fairly 

specific to North Carolina, other states could find it beneficial as well.

Module 9 - Skidder Safety; Guide to Insurance for Loggers; Load 

Securement for Roundwood; Transporting Construction Equipment; 

Threatened and Endangered Species for Loggers; this 3 hour training is 

the annual requirement for anyone who intends to maintain ProLogger 

status for the following year.

Module 10 - Storm Damage Safety (Chainsaw Operations); Safe 

Operating Around Power Lines; Logging Safety on Slopes; FRA Trucking 

Efficiency Workshop; Wood Chipper and Grinder Safety.

Module 11 (new for 2010-11) - BMPs for Sediment & Erosion Control; 

Better Stream Crossings Using Portable Skidder Bridges; Truck Cost 

Efficiency; CSA 2010; New Entry DOT Audits; Invasive Species

Module 12 - Operation Lifesaver, Be Seen Be Alive , Storm Damage , 

Field Technology , T.E.A.M. Fire Safety , PPE Review

Module 13 - In The Company of Trucks, Survivor Run, Green Light to 

Home, Rules& Regulations For Forest Trucking, BMP Review, NC Tree 

Farm Overview
65

Module 14 - Rutting Prevention, Emergency Action Plan, Overhead 

Hazards, Technology developments on New Equipment 

Module 15 - Navigating the NCFA website, Hazard Communication 

MSDS to SD ,Best Logging Business Practices, Liability Insurance

Each module is self-contained and can be presented by a registered forester or 

another similarly qualified individual. Modules can be rented separately or 

purchased as a set. The concept is centered on convenience: a small group of 

loggers needing continuing education credits can order a set and arrange training 

on very short notice. Training is tracked on the NCFA ProLogger database that is 

available to the public via web search. 

Program 

Funding: The ProLogger program initial (one-year) registration fee is $250 per participant; 

this covers community college fees, class workbooks, and instructor fees. A 

portion of the registration fee is allocated to membership, with all registrants 

becoming NCFA members. Continuing/renewing ProLogger program 

participants pay an annual fee of $110 which includes all class fees and 

membership in the NCFA. Registration fees cover approximately 70 percent of 

the ProLogger program costs. The balance is provided through NCFA funds and 

grants. 

Training Modules:

(We do not have online training developed for North Carolina.)

.

.
66

OHIO

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Nathan Jester

ODNR Division of Forestry

345 Allen Ave

Chillicothe, OH 45601

Phone: 740.774.1596

Fax: 740.773.0273

nathan.jester@dnr.state.oh.us

ohiodnr.com

Program

Name: Ohio Master Logger Program

The Ohio Master Logging Company Program is sponsored by the Ohio Forestry 

Association, Inc. and is administered by the Logging Standards Council. It is a 

voluntary logging company certification in a three-day program format. 

Individuals passing the certification test in Ohio can transfer training to the West 

Virginia program (W.Va. has additional licensing requirements), Kentucky 

program (Kentucky has additional licensing requirements), and Pennsylvania 

program (Pennsylvania has additional licensing requirements). Loggers certified 

under West Virginia's Logging Sediment Control Act may apply for Ohio's 

voluntary certification.

Required

Courses: Three core courses are required in the following subject areas:

First Aid and CPR (arranged with local agencies, and must be Red Cross, 

American Heart Association, National Safety Council or equivalent training, 

online classes not accepted). OFA Loggers' Chapters own four mannequins for 

training purposes. Lease @ $5 per person for repair/replacement.

Chain Saw Safety Training - Vendors certified by Logging Standards Council of 

OFA; Chainsaw Safety Awareness that Works (CSAW) program offered by three 

designated Ohio trainers.

Best Management Practices - One program certified by Logging Standards 

Council of OFA: One-day statewide program, 1⁄2 day in class, 1⁄2 day in field.

Other: OFA certifies logging companies, not individual loggers. Recertification for 

logging companies, required every three years, includes the following subjects: 

First Aid/CPR - must possess valid cards (online courses not accepted)

Workers’ Compensation Certificate

BMP Review - (two hours)

Chain Saw Safety - (two hour)

General Safety and New Issues Training - (four hours)
67

A representative from the Logging Company must attend nine OFA Loggers 

Chapter meetings over a three-year period. (OFA Loggers Chapter meetings 

often include continuing education classes.). 

Training Summary: 

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing**

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

TOTALS* 54 325 95 350

*Records do not indicate job classification. 

**Currently, there are 154 Ohio Master Logging companies and 230 trained loggers

Production

Data: Not Available.

Additional

Training

Available: 1) CSAW Levels 1 & 2

2) “Partnerships for Sustainable Forests” (SFI®-oriented) logger & landowner 

workshops

OFA Loggers' Chapters quarterly or monthly meetings: Nine chapters with 

approximately 160 members (total) offer programs at meetings concerning health 

and safety issues using OFA resources and outside consultants.

Ohio Forestry Association BWC (Bureau of Workers Comp) group program: 

Offers quarterly seminars covering: (1) Employer/employee responsibilities for 

safety in the workplace, (2) Writing a comprehensive safety plan, (3) HAZCOM 

and lockout/tagout, (4) Skidder/loader training (field training), and (5) 

Compensation claims management.

Program 

Funding: Current program support is provided in part by the Ohio Forestry Association's 

Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance Fund, SFI member companies, and 

ODNR Division of Forestry.

Training Modules: N/A - no online modules.
68

OREGON

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Rex Storm, Forest Policy Manager

Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.

P.O. Box 12339

Salem, Oregon 97309

Phone: 503.364.1330, Fax: 503.364.0836

Email: rstorm@oregonloggers.org

Website: www.oregonloggers.org

Program

Name: Oregon Professional Logger Program (OPL)

Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) established the Oregon Professional Logger 

program (OPL) in October, 1995. The OPL program is a voluntary professional 

standard that qualifies logging operator companies for their continuing education 

in the areas of forest practices, safety, business, and sustainable forestry. Across 

Oregon, logging operator companies—such as loggers, road builders, and other 

forest contractors—participate in the OPL program to achieve qualified logging 

professional status and continuing education expectations of those forest 

landowners and forest product mills with which they do business.

The OPL program is recognized by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-State 

Implementation Committee of Oregon—as Oregon’s Qualified Logging 

Professional program. The OPL program is also recognized by American Logger 

Council’s Master Logger Certification (MLC). Each OPL qualified logging 

operator satisfies standards for the MLC.

Required

Courses: Administration: Associated Oregon Loggers Inc. administers the program and 

gives OPL qualification for enrollment and approved continuing education 

completed by an OPL company. AOL retains training records and an online 

directory, offers training, provides professional updates, qualifies OPL 

companies, and AOL administers OPL standards through its Board and 

committee. A written ‘OPL Standards Handbook’ governs the transparent and 

equitable administration of the OPL program by AOL.

Enrollment: Logging operator participation requires enrollment in the OPL 

program. AOL makes the program enrollment available to members as a free 

service, and to non-members for a subscription fee.

Self-Determined: A logging operator may select and attend education that each 

company self-determines is beneficial to their specific business. Additionally, the 

OPL credit standards (outlined below) specify a core component of required 

“Forest Practices” classes.
69

Governance: The standards for the OPL program are directed by AOL’s Board of 

Directors and an OPL Committee—both comprised of AOL Oregon logging 

operators.

Delinquency: OPL operators remain in good standing until either of four 

conditions apply: 1) delinquent annual maintenance credit; 2) non-payment of 

enrollment fees; 3) sanctioned for discrediting conduct; and/or 4) resignation.

Operations Review: OPL encourages logging operator understanding of Oregon 

Forest Practices Act & Rules, as well as sustainable forestry principles and 

regulations. If an OPL operator’s actions discredit the OPL program, an 

Operations Review Committee would review the case and render appropriate OPL 

sanctions.

Credit Standards: Qualified OPL training is offered by many education providers 

around the state, including AOL. To initially earn Oregon Professional Logger 

status, a company must accumulate 32 credit hours of qualified education. 

Completion of training in two categories of approved education by any working 

owner or employee qualifies for program credit. Thereafter, a minimum of 10 

credit hours per year is required to maintain a company’s OPL status through the 

next calendar year. Two categories of approved education as follows:

Category A - Forest Practices (FP): Qualified education in Oregon Forest 

Practices Rules, and Oregon industrial fire and burning regulations, offered by a 

variety of providers—in cooperation with state forester instruction from Oregon 

Dept. of Forestry. Associated Oregon Loggers coordinates a number of Forest 

Practices seminars annually. Of the initial 32 credit hours, the 6-hour ‘Basic 

Forest Practices Workshop’ must be completed. The ‘Basic Forest Practices 

Workshop’ is co-sponsored by Oregon Dept. of Forestry and AOL. For OPL 

maintenance status, each year at least four of the 10 required credit hours must be 

completed in Category A-Forest Practices. Completion of the SFT-Video 

Employee Training (‘Sustainable Forestry Training for Logging Operators’ SFT)

is required to satisfy one (1) OPL-FP credit for both OPL Initial and Maintenance 

[verifying the company’s field employees have annually completed the SFT 

module]. ODF, AOL, and other forest industry firms periodically offer additional 

Category A-Forest Practices short-programs, applicable toward OPL maintenance 

status.

Category B – Operator Business & Forestry: Qualified education includes, but is 

not limited to, forest business, harvesting, road construction & maintenance, 

operational methods, forestry, forest protection, and sustainable forestry 

principles. Category B also includes other forest-related business such as, bidding 

& negotiation, contracting, safety, insurance, first aid, emergency response, loss 

control, regulations, marketing, taxes, finances, accounting, costing, bookkeeping, 

computers, supervision, wage & labor law, forest policy, ethics, hiring practices, 

and other forestry or small-business management. Safety topics include return to 

work, workers’ compensation, claims management, safety incentive, MOD 
70

calculation, recent court cases, legal matters, OR-OSHA regulation, etc. Formal 

loss control assessments and forest practices consultations also qualify for credit.

Production

Data: As of December 31, 2014, 619 logging operator companies maintain their Oregon 

Professional Logger status, representing roughly 60% of the state’s estimated 

1,032 logging companies. AOL projects that they produced an estimated 3.2 

billion board feet (80%), of Oregon’s estimated 4.0 billion board foot timber 

harvest statewide in calendar-year 2014.

Training Summary:

Participants

2/ Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

3/ Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

2/ Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

3/ Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other

619 840

2,857

630 850

2,900

1/ COMPANY TOTALS 619 841 630 850

1/ OPL qualification is based on company recognition. However, beginning 

in 2016 the numbers of both companies and SFT-trained employees will be 

reported thereafter.

2/ Number of OPL qualified logging operator companies at year-end

3/ Number of enrolled logging operator companies attending OPL qualified 

courses during the year; and number of employees attending an Oregon 

Forest Practices education program.

Additional

Courses

Available: ‘Basic Forest Practices Workshop’ and Forest Practices Classes

Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and AOL co-sponsor a 6-hour course addressing 

fundamentals of Oregon’s forest regulations and sustainable forestry principles. 

The co-sponsors also periodically offer a variety of forest practices short-courses 

(1-4 hours), covering current Oregon forest regulation topics, involving either 

fire, burning, forest practices, or sustainable forestry matters. Landowners and 

mills also sponsor meetings/seminars, which may qualify for OPL Forest

Practices credit.

‘Sustainable Forestry for Logging Operators’ (SFT-Employee Training)

Revised in 2015, this 40-minute DVD-based training module is an annual OPL 

requirement for all logging field employees. The purpose of the SFT is to better 

educate workers about sustainable forestry principles, Oregon forest regulations, 
71

sound forestry, safety & labor rules, and good business practices. This module 

was first published by AOL in 2000, revised in ‘07 & ‘15, and is available to OPL 

Qualified Logging Professionals.

‘Self-Test’ Independent Study Assignments (for take-home use)

AOL offers OPL members the opportunity to complete independent study 

exercises, called ‘Self-Tests.’ Each ‘Self-Test’ includes a printed reading 

assignment and 10-question written test—available for completion at the 

operators work or home on their own schedule. A new ‘Self-Test’ is offered 

periodically; take about an hour to complete; and each passing test submitted to 

AOL qualifies for 1 credit of OPL-Forest Practices. These ‘Self-Tests’ address 

important & current forest practices and sustainable forestry topics.

‘Logger Supervisor Training’ by AOL

AOL offers a targeted supervisor training specifically designed for supervisors in 

the harvest industry. Topics covered in the 6-hour training include employee 

management, responsibility, safety, accountability, leadership, and “supervisor” 

responsibilities under OR-OSHA Forest Activities Code. Since 1996, supervisors 

from over 900 Oregon harvest contractors have received the training.

‘Oregon’s Forest Protection Laws: Illustrated Manual, 2nd Edition.’

AOL in 2011 helped revise and publish the 2nd Edition of this useful 185-page 

illustrated handbook about Oregon’s state forest practices and forest fire 

regulations. The Illustrated Manual is a popular teaching tool used at seminars 

addressing regulations for landowners and operators, including OPL-Forest 

Practices credit seminars.

Logging Safety Training DVDs for On-Site Use

AOL offers member forest operator companies at least 12 different training films 

about important & current logging safety topics. These DVD-based training 

modules target logging crews with short topics (5-25 minutes), such as: New 

Employee Orientation, Logging Near Powerlines, Machine Operation on Steep 

Slopes, Shop Safety, and Safe Firefighting.

Other Seminars

OPL qualified training is offered by many education providers around the state & 

region, including, but not limited to: Oregon Logging Conference, AOL Safety 

Conference, AOL meetings, OR-OSHA, Bureau of Labor & Industries, 

Construction Contractors Board, insurers, county extension, agencies, community 

colleges, consultants, associations, OR St. Univ., and other private or public 

training providers.

Other:

Oregon Professional Logger (OPL) companies are recognized throughout 

Oregon’s forest sector, as Qualified Logging Professionals. An OPL Directory is 

made available to others online at: www.oregonloggers.org
72

Program Funding:

Oregon Professional Logger program funded primarily by Associated Oregon 

Loggers, Inc., as a service to its members and OPL Subscribers. The Sustainable 

Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation Committee of Oregon contributes a 

minority portion of OPL program operating expenses—recently $6,000 to 

$10,000/year.

Administration expense for the OPL program is borne primarily by Associated Oregon Loggers, 

Inc. AOL offers a few training programs (see above). Most classes are provided by other 

training organizations. Training costs for attending employees are paid by each OPL logging 

operator “company,” such as registration, travel, wage, and lost production. AOL’s training 

cooperator, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, provides support (instructors/curriculum/facilities) to the 

OPL education and classes offered in forest practices, fire, and burning regulation compliance. 

Over the 20-year history of the OPL, the SFI-Oregon Implementation Committee has contributed 

about $52,000 to support AOL administration of the OPL program.

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered in 2014.)
73

PENNSYLVANIA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Chuck Coup

Program Manager,

PA SFI Implementation Committee

211 Barrington Lane

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Phone: 814.355.1010

Email: pasfi@sfiofpa.org

Website: www.sfiofpa.org

Program

Name: PA SFI® Professional Timber Harvester Training Program

The Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Implementation 

Committee (PA SIC) manages all aspects of the Pennsylvania Professional 

Timber Harvester Training Program; the primary logger training program in 

Pennsylvania. The PA SIC is housed as an independent sub-committee of the 

Pennsylvania Forest Products Association (PFPA).

The PA SIC administrates the program’s training policies, develops course 

curriculum, delivers workshops, and manages training records for the more than 

7,000 resource professionals that have participated in our training program to 

date.

The program is operated within the SFI Standards and Rules related to Qualified 

Logging Professionals. The PA SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training 

Program does not audit the work of those who participate in the program and 

therefore does not "certify" individuals who maintain a current training status. 

The PA SIC does not endorse the work of individual loggers or businesses but 

verifies that they have met the training standards described in the Training 

Program Policy. 

Participation in the PA SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training Program is 

voluntary; however, Certified SFI Program Participants operating within the state, 

the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry, the Pennsylvania Game 

Commission, and a number of other landowners, companies, agencies, and 

organizations across Pennsylvania require or recommend trained logging 

professionals for their timber harvesting operations.

Program

Funding: Program funding is provided by forest products companies and forest related 

organizations operating in Pennsylvania, grant monies when available, and 

registration fees from logger education workshops.

Certified SFI Program Participants and other consuming mills that participate in 

the PA SIC Partners Program are assessed SIC dues early in the year based on 
74

consumption from the previous year. TIMO and REIT’s are assessed based on 

acreage holdings. A number of additional companies and organizations 

participating in the PA SIC Supporters Program pledge flat financial contributions 

each year.

Grant monies and other funding support have also come from the Pennsylvania 

Hardwoods Development Council and from County Conservation Districts.

Course registration fees vary based on the characteristics of each course and the 

availability of grants to supplant training costs. Our program recognizes the 

economic situation the logging community is confronted with and strives to 

ensure training is accessible to everyone.

Required

Courses: Core level

The core training component of the PA SFI Professional Timber Harvester 

Training Program consists of two 8-hour courses, Professional Timber Harvesting 

Essentials and Game of Logging – Level 1, and requires that participants provide 

proof of current First Aid and CPR certification as required by OSHA standards 

for logging operations. Core training must be completed within a 24-month 

period. Upon completion of the core training requirements an individual receives 

a PA SFI training card valid through the following calendar year.

Professional Timber Harvesting Essentials (8 hours)

This two part course focuses on safety and environmental logging practices. Part 

one focuses on recognizing and avoiding hazards that timber harvesting 

operations encounter daily. It includes modules covering accident avoidance, 

equipment safety, truck safety, and an overview of OSHA regulations applicable 

to logging. Part two focuses on Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Laws and provides 

an overview of Pennsylvania’s Erosion & Sediment Pollution Control Plans, 

permits a logger may need when working near streams and wetlands, Best 

Management Practices (BMPs), hazardous spill prevention and cleanup, and the 

importance of harvesting aesthetics, job layout, and planning.

Game of Logging – Level 1 (8 hours)

This well respected training curriculum teaches chain saw skills and focuses on 

introducing participants to the “open face” felling technique and the development 

of fundamental skills to safely fell trees. Topics covered include personal 

protective equipment, chainsaw safety features, chainsaw reactive forces, bore 

cutting, the 5-step felling plan, and understanding hinge wood function and 

characteristics.

First Aid and CPR (4 hours)

First Aid and CPR training is accepted from a variety of regional, certified 

providers such as American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and 

National Safety Council. The PA SIC coordinates some First Aid and CPR 

trainings at cost; however, training is readily available and often offered more 
75

conveniently outside the program. In accordance with OSHA regulations, the PA 

SIC does not accept online First Aid & CPR training.

Continuing Education (CE)

The PA SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training Program requires that 

individuals complete a minimum of four hours of continuing education (CE) each 

year in order to progress their training card validation date and maintain a 

“current” training status. Individuals are allowed to take additional CE courses, 

but cannot accumulate more than three years of extended CE credit.

A number of CE course titles and descriptions periodically offered through the PA 

SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training Program are available on the PA SIC 

website (www.sfiofpa.org). Credit for courses taken outside of the PA SFI 

Professional Timber Harvester Training Program are available as long as the 

material is deemed to be relevant, similar in content, and if a legitimate form of 

attendance documentation is provided.

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other

54 756 100 800

TOTALS 54* 756* 100* 800*

* Records do not indicate job classification.

The summary figures above reflect the actual and estimated 1) number of 

individuals who successfully completed the core training requirements of the PA 

SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training Program, and 2) number of 

individuals participating in at least one core or CE course during the year, either 

directly through or approved by the PA SIC, excluding those who completed the 

core training requirements (i.e. the same individuals are not included in both 

categories). They do not reflect the individuals who participated in multiple core 

or CE courses throughout the year.

During 2014 the PA SIC conducted 55 training programs (29 core and 26 CE), 

through which 559 individuals completed 690 units of training. To clarify, a 

single individual taking three different courses during the year would constitute 
76

one individual and three units of training. Furthermore, the PA SIC approved 317 

additional training units completed by 251 individuals through approved outside 

training opportunities. At the end of 2015, Pennsylvania had 717 individuals with 

a current PA SFI training status. This number has remained fairly steady in the 

last several years. It should be noted that not all of the individuals who participate 

in the PA SFI Professional Timber Harvester Training Program offer timber 

harvesting services (landowners, foresters, other resource professionals, etc.).

Production 

Data: Production data for Pennsylvania’s trained Professional Timber Harvester 

workforce is not available. However, intuitive estimates place the percentage of 

the state’s wood produced by fully trained Professional Timber Harvesters fairly 

high. U.S. Census data indicates that Pennsylvania had 676 employees of logging 

operations in 2010. While this might not be completely inclusive (i.e. may not 

capture all of the single proprietors, part-timers, and perhaps even some sawmill 

logging crews), it does give some comparison to the number of individuals with 

current PA SFI training (717 at the end of 2014). Additionally, previously 

mentioned requirements by DCNR, Certified SFI Program Participants, and 

others to use PA SFI trained Timber Harvesters bolsters this estimate.

On-Line 

Training 

Modules: The PA SIC does not currently offer online CE courses. However, external 

organizations, such as Penn State University, offer a variety of 1-hour live 

webinars presenting relevant content which the PA SIC approves for CE credit 

when appropriate. The PA SIC continues to discuss the possibility of utilizing 

online logger training courses in the future; however, a primary concern is 

legitimate verification of participant identity.
77

QUEBEC 

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

SFI PROGRAM PARTICIPANT NAME: Quebec SIC

Contact Information: Marc Dumont

T: 800.449.7030

E: marc.dumont@lpcorp.com

Caroline Flaschner 

Le groupe DESFOR

T: 418.660.2037

caroline.flaschner@desfor.com

Program Name: Formation entrepreneur accrédité (Wood producer training Program)

Quiebec SCI posted on his web site 10 training modules to support the 

program for qualified wood producers.

Required Courses:

In addition to the SCI Program for qualified wood producer, each 

program participants have annual training sessions associated with ISO 

14001 and SFI to make sure that every worker involve in the operations 

has the knowledge and are qualified. For example, Domtar trained their 

logger every year on Health and Safety, environmental concern and 

forest certification.

Sample of course of program participant:

- Best management practices (Saines pratiques)

- Training on SFI principles (Formation de base SFI)

- Annual training for loggers (Induction _coupe)

- Annual training for road construction 

(Induction_construction_chemin)

- Annual training for truck drivers (Induction_transport)

- Annual training for sylviculture workers

- Annual training for truck drivers

- Field visits to small woodlot owners (education)

- Transportation of dangerous goods
78

Production Data:

In 2014, Quebec SIC has centralized the information about qualified 

logging professional on his web site. This information is in the intranet, 

available upon request

Continuing 

Education: Each year program participant offers annual training, and maintained a 

registry of participants at those trainings. In those trainings if there have 

been any changes in the legislation or in the requirements, it is discussed 

during the session.

Additional Training 

Available: Additional training is offered by some program participant but not with 

the Quebec SCI Committee. For example:

For employees and contractors:

- Ecosystem-based management

- Field exercise on Emergency Situations (Fire, Spill, Accident)

- Safe driving

- Eco-driving

- First aid

For small woodlot owners:

- Best Management Practices

Program Funding:

SIC internal funding

Training Modules:

Quebec SIC training program include specific modules on :

- Sustainable Forest Management Certification

- Quebec SFI Implementation Committee

- Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard

- Qualified Logging Professional

- Species at risk – Invasive specie

- Harvest, wildlife and site protection
79

- Access and water quality

- Reforestation and aesthetic

- Dangerous goods

- Legal requirements

The Training Program is available on the SIC website. In 2015, the 

Quebec SIC will review the program to make sure it is still accurate 

with the 2015-2019 SFI Standard.

Training Summary:

1 The Ministry of Natural Resources is now responsible for all silvicultural work 

on public land.

2 Combined totals of Domtar, RockTenn, Norbord, PF Résolu, Louisiana Pacific, 

Groupe Forestra and Trebio.

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors 411 6 140 287

Logging Employees 743 66 704

Foresters 174 32 142

Landowners 306 364

Government Officials 45 44

Students 9 5 9

Other (silviculture workers, 

TLGIRT, suppliers)

131 131

*TOTALS 1,819 11 238 1,681
80

SOUTH CAROLINA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Sally Tucker

South Carolina Forestry Association

P.O. Box 21303

Columbia, South Carolina 29221

sally@scforestry.org

803.798.4170

Program

Name: South Carolina Timber Operations Professional (TOP) Program

The Timber Operations Professional (TOP) Program is the South Carolina Forestry 

Association’s commitment to raising the professional standard of timber harvesting. TOP is 

designed to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. 

The TOP 2-Day course provides the latest information of timber harvesting, safety, business and 

environmental regulations. The course is tailored primarily for loggers, job foreman, contractors, 

and foresters.

In order to become TOP Trained in South Carolina, an individual must successfully complete the 

TOP 2-Day course. Upon completion, the individual will need to maintain his or her status by 

fulfilling two annual requirements:

1. All participants are required to view the most current TOP Update training DVD. Viewing 

sessions will be offered and coordinated by approved facilitators. Participants are encouraged to 

contact their mill representative, forester or procurement manager for specific details about 

training events. For more information on upcoming classes and training events, please check the 

SCFA website www.scforestry.org/top. 

2. All participants are required to pay an $80 annual fee to maintain current TOP Trained status. 

The SCFA TOP Committee uses these fees to pay for DVD production costs and various 

program expenses. 

If an individual does not complete both of these annual requirements by the June 30th deadline, 

that person will have to repeat the TOP 2-Day course in order to be reinstated.

Required 

Courses: The TOP-2 Day course is an intensive two-day training program that was offered 

two times in Columbia and once in Georgetown in 2014 and produced 124 new 

graduates. The primary topics covered are:

--Forest Resource Conservation

--Introduction to SFI and the Standards

--Safety/OSHA Regulations

--Trucking & Transportation Issues

--Soil Operability
81

--Emerging Technology

--Controlling/Avoiding Risks in a Logging Operation

--Timber Security

--Advocacy – Public Policy & Outreach

--Invasive Species

--Business – Coaching the Professional Logger

--Best Management Practices 

Instructors for the TOP 2-Day includes individuals from the following agencies or 

companies: SC Forestry Commission, Clemson Extension, SC Timber Producers 

Association, Forestry Mutual, Davis-Garvin Agency, Inc., a TIMO representative, 

two paper mill representatives, and SC State Transport Police.

Other: Total training accomplishments to date include: 3,134 graduates of the TOP 

Program. In 2014, SC had 999 individuals on the TOP Trained List.

Training Summary:

 

Participants*

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete LT&E

Program in 2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 2015

Logging 

Contractors

Logging 

Employees

Other

42

32

50

{total # 

represents people 

expected to 

attend the TOP 

2-Day in 2015}

{total # represents people expected 

to renew their training by 

competing the 2015 TOP Update 

requirements}

TOTALS 124 132* 900*

* Records do not indicate job classification

Production 

Data: Estimated 90-95% of production capacity in SC comes from trained sources.

Additional Training

Available: N/A

Funding: The TOP Program is a self-supporting program of the SC Forestry Association.

Training 

Modules: 2014 TOP Update Facilitators Guides were available and could be purchased 

from the SC Forestry Association for $50. No online training modules were 

developed or offered in 2014.
82

TENNESSEE

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Candace Dinwiddie

Tennessee Forestry Association

P.O. Box 290693

Nashville, Tennessee 37229-0693

615.883.3832

FAX: 615.883.0515

cdinwiddie@tnforestry.com

Program

Name: Tennessee Master Logger

Tennessee's Master Logger Program consists of 5 one-day sessions, given once 

every two weeks within a ten consecutive week period. The cost is $150.00 for 

the 5-day course. This cost also includes a 2-year TFA membership. 

In 2013 our SFI committee requested that we now show Master Logger card 

expiration dates as 12/1 two years from the year that the initial course or 

continuing education (CE) class was taken (i.e., the loggers receiving a Master 

Logger card in 2013 showed an expiration date of 12/1/15, even if they had taken 

the class in January, 2013). All cards issued in 2014 will have an expiration date 

of 12/1/16. Our SFI committee members believed it would facilitate easier 

reporting with a uniform expiration date.

Required

Courses: Training is required in the following five areas:

Safety - covers general safety practices, DOT and OSHA safety regulations, 

trucking safety, and equipment and chain saw safety. SFI principles are also 

covered in this session. 

Water Quality/BMPs - is split into two parts. This first part is a classroom session 

covering information about Forest Hydrology (water cycles, stream ecology, 

erosion and sedimentation), Forest Health and Stress (logging, grazing, fire, 

insects, and disease), and Tennessee's Best Management Practices. BMP session 

includes an outdoor portion.

The second part is the Water Quality Lab in the field, and covers stream ecology, 

compaction and infiltration, erosion, road location, soil, and habitat enhancement.

Forest Management - is also split into class and field training. The class topics 

include a History of Tennessee Forests (types, statistics, physiographic regions, 

ownerships) Forest Growth and Sites (site index, aspect, site/species relationships, 

tree biology, succession and tolerance, silvics of important species), Regeneration 

versus Thinning, Harvest Systems (clearcutting, shelterwood, seed tree selection, 

group selection), Wildlife Biology, Endangered Species, and Public Awareness.
83

First Aid/CPR - completion of a Red Cross or equivalent course.

Business Management - financial management, bookkeeping, marketing, 

insurance, personnel and related laws are taught by professionals (usually local 

business owners) in each field.

Continuing

Education

Program: Tennessee Master Loggers may renew their Master Logger status by completing 

one day of continuing education every two years. The $70.00 renewal fee 

includes membership in TFA for 2 years. 

Dr. Wayne Clatterbuck and Dr. Adam Taylor (Univ. of Tennessee) introduced a 

new CE class in 2013 that highlighted wood products certification, treatment for 

Emerald Ash Borer, Thousand Cankers Disease, and Biomass Harvesting. Dr. 

Dalia Abbas (Tennessee State) made presentations on efficiency in the woods and 

professional logger efficiency. The TN Division of Forestry continues to provide 

excellent training on Best Management Practices. We also provide updates on 

fuel use and efficiency by Parman Oil Company, and Forest Resources 

Technology gives presentations on efficiency through use of new computer 

programs.

Our Master Logger Committee continues to be active within TFA and takes pride 

in the "hands on" training offered in the Master Logger course. Every CE class 

has an afternoon field trip to the woods component and the loggers are engaged in 

discussion and activities in the woods. Our classes are still offered throughout the 

state, usually in about 20 locations for the CE classes during the year; we make 

every effort to make it as convenient as possible for our loggers to attend.

Other continuing education classes taught in past years include: Log Grading, 

Logging Costs/Efficiency, Wildlife Biology, SFI Compliance, Advanced 

BMPs/Road Building, Wetlands BMPs, Visual Impacts, Truck Safety, Woods & 

Woodyard Safety, Stream Delineation Workshop, Forest Roads/Water Control, 

Log Bucking taught by UT Extension. 
84

Training Summary:

*Records do not indicate job classification. 

** Most of these are individuals who completed their one-course continuing 

education requirements to retain their Master Logger status.

The Tennessee Master Logger database was revised during 2008 to indicate if the 

logger was an owner operator or crew member. However, the reporting numbers 

were not broken down by classification.

The Tennessee Master Logger database was revised during 2008 to indicate if the 

logger was an owner operator or crew member. However, the reporting numbers 

were not broken down by classification.

Production

Data: Not Available.

Program

Funding: Funding is provided through registration fees: $150.00 for the 5-day course and 

$70.00 for Continuing Ed (required every 2 years). The Tennessee Dept. of 

Agriculture generously provides funding support through the Tennessee 

Agricultural Enhancement Program to assist with staff time, supplies, travel, and 

other support costs to conduct the training. The TN SFI Committee also provides 

some funding to help with travel costs and other expenses related to the Master 

Logger Program. 

Training Modules:

(No online training modules were developed or offered.)

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Course 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other

TOTALS 51 416 50* 450**
85

TEXAS

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Susan Stutts, Assistant Director

Texas Forestry Association

P.O. Box 1488

Lufkin, Texas 75902-1488

Phone: 936.632.8733

Fax: 936.632.9461

E-mail: sstutts@texasforestry.org

Program

Name: Texas Pro Logger and Continuing Education Program

The following four courses are required for persons to attend in order to be 

classified as a Texas Pro Logger: 

(1) Best Management Practices (includes a field trip)

(2) Silviculture, Wildlife, Wetlands & Endangered Species, Invasive Species, and 

Aesthetics

(3) *Safety Training 

(4) Business Management 

All logging contractors and foremen are encouraged take all courses to qualify for 

the Texas Pro Logger Certificate. All employees should take the Safety Training.

*Must be taken every two years.

Continuing To maintain the Pro Logger status, each must have at least six (6) hours 

Education: of continuing education annually plus a current Safety certificate. Several 

 opportunities for continuing education were available throughout the year.

Other: In 2014, two rounds of core logger training workshops were held.

Database: The Texas Logger Training database is published at www.texasforestry.org. It 

was revised in early 2014 to include a unique certificate number for each Pro 

Logger. 
86

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire

LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One Core 

Course in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Continuing 

Ed Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Loggers 

 *Other

34

3

17

0

414

132

40

2

450

100

TOTALS 37 17 546 42 550

*Other – consists mainly of industry procurement foresters; some other timber buyers. 

**Includes CEU

Production: In 2013, 419.6 million cubic feet of pine and 102.0 million cubic feet of hardwood 

were harvested in Texas for industrial consumption, a small increase over last 

year’s harvest. At this time, there is no formal reporting effort on how much of 

the timber is harvested by trained loggers. However, the Texas SIC estimates that 

95% is produced by trained loggers. Production figures are not yet available for 

2014.

Funding: Consuming mills in Texas are assessed SFI dues early in the year, based 

on consumption for the previous year. In addition, TIMO’s and REIT’s and 

other large landowners are assessed SFI dues based on acreage holdings.

Training Modules:

Safety, Business Management, and Forestry BMPS Refresher are also offered 

online.
87

VIRGINIA

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Scott Barrett, Extension Specialist, Forest Operations and SHARP Logger 

Program Coordinator

Virginia Tech Forestry Extension, 

Department of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation (0324)

228 Cheatham Hall

Blacksburg, VA 24061

Phone: 540.231.6494 Fax: 540.231.3330

E-mail: SHARPlogger@vt.edu

Web page: www.SHARPlogger.vt.edu

Program Virginia SHARP Logger

Name: The Sustainable Harvest And Resource Professional (SHARP) Logger program 

was implemented in April 1996. The curriculum includes course subjects in 

safety, sustainable forestry and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, silviculture, 

harvest planning, and Best Management Practices. It is geared towards logging 

business owners and/or selected crew members and foresters. Virginia Tech 

Forestry Extension is responsible for coordinating the SHARP Logger program. 

Required The core program covers the following topics:

Courses:

Logging Safety — Four education modules (1.5 hours each). The subjects offered 

include (1) Overview of OSHA Logging Safety Standards and Recordkeeping 

Requirements, (2) Logging Equipment Safety, (3) Log Truck Safety (DOT 

requirements), and (4) Chain Saw Safety 

Sustainable Forestry — This course includes an in-depth discussion of sustainable 

forestry and the key elements for achieving this goal. An explanation of how the 

SFISM program was developed and implemented follows. There are also 

discussions and presentations on forest management, forestry aesthetics and ways 

loggers can better communicate with landowners. The second part of this course 

is a field lab designed to introduce loggers to the basic concepts of silviculture 

and ecology.

Harvest Planning and Best Management Practices — An overview of harvest 

planning and a demonstration of the use of topographic maps and other planning 

"tools" is followed by a field exercise where participants develop their own 

harvest plans. The BMP program segment is typically conducted on a recently 

harvested tract. Discussion topics include local, state and federal water quality 

regulations, the comparison of forestry to other non-point sources of pollutants 

and the Virginia Forestry BMP Manual. The participants, in small groups with 

the assistance of a professional forester, perform a BMP audit of the tract. 
88

Continuing SHARP Loggers must earn 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits 

Education: every three years in order to maintain current SHARP Logger status. Continuing 

Education programs are offered in a wide variety of topics, including:

Chipper Maintenance and Productivity Workshop

Logging Business Management Workshop

GPS Workshops

BMP Workshops

Chainsaw Safety

Gypsy Moth & Emerald Ash Borer Compliance Workshops

Logger Safety Awareness & OSHA Refresher Workshop

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire 

LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number

Attending

At Least 

One

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

60 680 50 600

Logging 

Employees

30 350 50 300

Other 27 282 25 100

TOTALS 117 819 125 1,000

Production Not Available.

Data:

Other: Newsletter to Virginia Loggers sent out quarterly by Virginia Tech Forestry 

Extension. www.virginiaSFI.org offers a description of the Virginia SFI®

program including links to the SHARP Logger website.

Program The SHARP Logger Program Coordinator’s position is funded by Virginia 

Funding: Cooperative Extension and program operating costs are funded by the VA SFI 

SIC. SHARP Logger classes are offered at no charge to participants. 

Online Training Modules:

In 2009 the SHARP Logger program offered its first online training opportunity with two online 

trainings. The response from loggers completing the training was very positive, and additional 

online modules were developed. Online trainings are accessed through the SHARP Logger 

website at www.SHARPlogger.vt.edu Trainings are available to anyone that wants to access 

them, and there is no fee for using the online training. Trainings utilize Adobe Presenter and 

Adobe Captivate software: Viewers simply click on a link and the training module will start 

automatically.

Current Online Trainings Include:
89

Limbing and Topping Safety

Forestry BMPs: Applied Research Results

Protecting Water Quality with Best Management Practices in Virginia

Laws Affecting Water Quality and Forestry Operations in Virginia

Basic Timber Cruising – Timber Inventory & Assessment

How to Conduct a Property Deed Search 

Basic Chainsaw Safety & Directional Felling
90

WASHINGTON

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Jerry Bonagofsky, President

Washington Contract Loggers Association (WCLA)

2421 Pacific Avenue; P.O. Box 2168

Olympia, Washington 98507

Phone: 800.422.0074 

Fax: 360.943.8544

Email: Jerryb@loggers.com

Program

Name: MasterLoggerProgram

In July 1994, the WCLA Board approved the formation of a training program for 

loggers, run by loggers, called the Master Logger Program (MLP). It is designed 

for the company owner as well as supervisory personnel; however, any employee 

may attend, as it is a voluntary program. An MLP Steering Committee was 

chosen to prepare the guidelines, select courses, set schedules, and answer any 

formation questions. After the Steering Committee completed its duties, WCLA 

formulated a board to oversee the program

WCLA implemented the MLP in early 1995. As of 12-31-14 a total of 846 

individuals representing about 625 companies meet the requirements for the MLP. 

WCLA utilizes state agency personnel and private individuals that are qualified in 

the subject areas as a core of instructors. The courses are held two or three times 

a year.

Required

Courses: The Master Logger Program (MLP) consists of completing the following 

curriculum:

1. Forest Ecology and Silviculture

• Principles of ecology and silviculture

• Forest health

• Forest soils

• Reforestation

• Managing forests for wildlife

2. Safety & Workers Compensation Issues

• Accident prevention programs, safety training, hazard recognition, complying with 

regulations, and accident investigation procedures

• Transportation safety

• Worker’s compensation regulations and claims management

• Employer record keeping and reporting 
91

• Overview of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative

3. Forest Practices 

• Forest practice applications

• Riparian and wetlands protection

• Regeneration requirements

• Wildlife tree requirements

• Road construction and maintenance 

• Cultural resources

• Enforcement and assistance

4. Logging Business Management

• Business taxes

• Insurance requirements

• Operational costs 

• Financial management and credit

• Ethics and image of the logger

First Aid Training(must include CPR and First aid)

• A valid first aid card is required. However, first aid is not included in the curriculum

Other: 8 hours of continuing education is required every year to maintain MasterLogger 

status – a number of elective courses are available.

In 2014, WCLA trained about 1350 loggers in first aid.

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2013

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2013

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2014

Logging Contractors

Logging Employees

Other

25

53

6

115

115

20

20

55

5

110

110

15

TOTALS 84 250 80 225

Production

Data: Two billion board feet produced by Master Loggers in 2013.
92

Program 

Funding: Each module costs each attendee $40 if they are a WCLA member, $125 if they 

are not. The Washington SFI State Implementation Committee donated $5000 in 

2013 to support logger training. Companies with MasterLoggers must be active 

members of WCLA or pay an annual non-member service fee of $125. Overhead 

for the training classes is minimized by utilizing WCLA staff and state agency 

personnel as instructors.

Training Modules: (No online training modules were developed or offered in 2013.)
93

WEST VIRGINIA

 2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Frank Stewart

West Virginia Forestry Association

P.O. Box 718

Ripley, West Virginia 25271

304.372.1955

fms@wvfa.org

Program

Name: West Virginia Logger Training and Education

West Virginia's Logger Training and Education Program operates under the 

auspices of the West Virginia Forestry Association (WVFA) and the West 

Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF). The West Virginia Forestry 

Association, the West Virginia Division of Forestry, West Virginia University 

Forestry Extension and the Appalachian Hardwood Center are all involved in 

logger training programs in West Virginia.

Logger Certification is required under West Virginia's Logging Sediment Control 

Act. At least one person on each logging job must complete the following 

courses to qualify as a certified logger:

Required

Courses: First Aid Training Conducted by West Virginia Forestry Association Safety 

Committee in various areas of the state according to need. Cost is $45 to $55 per 

person. The Standard First Aid and CPR course, including Bloodborne Pathogens 

training, is eight hours. The schedule is announced through WVFA and the West 

Virginia Division of Forestry.

BMP Training More than twenty workshops are scheduled (typically one-two 

each month) rotating among the three West Virginia Division of Forestry 

Regions. Workshops are conducted by WVDOF staff and are announced and 

publicized by the WVDOF. The schedule of training sessions is available on their 

website (www.wvforestry.com). The workshops are six to eight hours in length, 

and there is no cost to the logger. The WVDOF provides staff support for this 

training in excess of $120,000 annually.

Tree Felling Safety & Personal Safety Equipment Workshop These classes are 

conducted monthly by West Virginia Division of Forestry personnel and subcontractors at a central location in the state. WVFA cooperates in this program by 

periodically offering the Game of Logging, of which Level 1 is accepted for this 

initial training. Training sessions are four to eight hours in length.

Continuing

Education

Courses: West Virginia's Logging Sediment Control Act requires loggers to maintain a 

valid First Aid card and complete an additional eight "credit hours" of classes 
94

every four years to retain certification. Two of these eight hours must be in a 

“BMP Update” class and two hours must be in a “Safety Update” class. The 

following courses have been approved for two hours (each) of the optional course 

portion of recertification credits:

SFI Awareness, Regeneration, Aesthetics, Wildlife Management, T& E 

Species, Business Management 

Log Road System Planning

Log Job Reclamation

Map Reading

Log Truck Safety

Woodlot Management

The following courses have been approved for satisfying a portion of the 

recertification training requirements. The BMP Update class is also required for 

full recertification credit.

FRA Professional Skidder Operator Workshop (6 hours)

WVU Appalachian Hardwood Center OSHA Compliance Wksp. (6 hours)

FRA Loss Control Workshop (6 hours)

Business Management for Loggers, Conducted by WVU Appalachian Hardwood 

Center (4 hours – BMP and Safety Updates required)

Two additional options are available:

Repeating the original BMP and Chain Saw Safety workshops

Completion of Levels 1-4 of the Game of Logging

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors/

Logging 

Employees

Others/Foresters

TOTALS 156* 896* 140* 1000*

*Records do not indicate job classification. 

Production

Data: Not Available.
95

Other: In 2014, there were a total of 1023 timber licenses and 1344 certified loggers in 

West Virginia. (During 2014, there were 112 new timber license applications and 

156 new certified logger applications.)

Program 

Funding: Program funding is primarily through registration fees for some classes and 

through internal support by WVFA, WVDOF and companies that support SFI. 

Training Modules:

The webinar “Invasive Species in West Virginia and Technologies for Loggers,”

sponsored by the WVU Appalachian Hardwood Center, the WV SFI Program and 

the WV Forestry Association (WVFA) is archived on the WVFA website 

(www.wvfa.org) where it can be viewed. There is no cost to watch the module, 

however non-WVFA members that request CFE credit must pay a $5 fee.

In 2011, the WVU Appalachian Hardwood Center initiated a multi-day training program, WV 

Greenup, that provided participants with the WVDOF BMP training, Game of Logging Level 1, 

Industry Overview, First Aid, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens training, OSHA Compliance for 

Loggers, Log Bucking Basics and Logging Equipment Operation Basics. Graduates of this 

program received their Certified Logger License. 
96

WESTERN CANADA

(BRITISH COLUMBIA, ALERTA, SASKATCHEWAN)

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

PROVINCE: Western Canada SIF Implementation Committee (British Columbia, Alberta 

and Saskatchewan)

Contact Information: Stephen Vinnedge, RPF

Chair WCSIC Logger Training Sub-Committee

1250 Brownmiller Road

Quesnel, BC V2J 6N2

Phone: 250.992.0888

Program Name: Basic Training Requirements for Logging Contractors Working 

for SFI Program Participants.

Required Courses: TRAINING PROGRAM

1. SFI General Awareness Training (Principles and 

Objectives)

2. Safety and WCB laws and regulations

3. General awareness of provincial Forestry Legislation

4. Water Quality Best Management Practice Training (i.e. 

may include road construction/ deactivation, site 

preparation, riparian management etc.), including 

protection of non-forested wetlands

5. Species at risk awareness training for appropriate 

personnel

Production Data: Reported by individual program participants as part of the 

annual progress reported submitted to SFI Inc.

Continuing 

Education:

The training requirements listed in Table 1 of the WCSIC 

Training Policy for logging contractors working for program 

participants are typically delivered once annually to logging 

contractors and their workers. This is often complemented by 

interim training to address new hires.

Site specific training is also delivered on an ongoing basis 

during field pre-works prior to commencement of harvesting, 

road building and other logging related activities. Both 

contractors and program participants are typically required to 

sign-off on a pre-work. 

Additional Training 

Available:

Training resources and opportunities for wood producers are 

provided in section 4 of the WCSIC Training Policy.

Program Funding: Program participant self-funded.

Training Modules: Training materials required to deliver the training program 

identified in Table 1 of the WCSIC Training Policy to logging 
97

contractors working for program participants are maintained by 

individual program participants. For larger program participants 

with multiple operations these training materials are typically 

maintained and delivered separately by each operation. 

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire 

LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number 

Attending

At Least 

One 

Course in 

2014

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Some

Courses in 

2015

Logging 

Contractors

609

Logging 

Employees

Foresters

Landowners

Government 

Officials

Students

Other

*TOTALS 609

 * Combined totals 
98

WISCONSIN

2014

LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION SUMMARY

Contact: Forest Industry Safety & Training Alliance, Inc (FISTA)

Ben Parsons, Training Coordinator

PO Box 714

Rhinelander, WI 54501

Phone: 800.551.2656

Fax: 715.282.7987

Email: info@fistausa.org

Program

Name: Wisconsin Logger Training and Education Program

Historically, various groups and organizations in Wisconsin have offered training 

workshops and education programs for loggers. During 1995, however, a group 

of loggers, industry representatives, and other interested stakeholders formed the 

Wisconsin Logger Training and Education (LT&E) Committee to look at 

coordinating and funding these programs. The Wisconsin LT&E Committee 

identified the Forest Industry Safety & Training Alliance (FISTA) as the logical 

umbrella organization to coordinate all new and existing logger training and 

education efforts in Wisconsin.

Required

Courses:

The Wisconsin SFI® Implementation Committee (SIC) has decided to keep the 

requirements for the 2015 SFI® Training Standard consistent with 2014. A person 

wishing to become SFI® certified must complete two days of Core Training, 

consisting of 8 hours of BMP’s for Water Quality and 8 hours of BMP’s for 

Invasive Species, along with attending a 4 hour continuing education workshop. 

Hours of training can be obtained by taking a FISTA coordinated workshop or a 

meeting or conference which has been pre-approved for external credit. The 

categories listed below constitute Wisconsin’s SFI® Training Standard.

Best Management Practices (BMP’s) Workshops

FISTA personnel organize and conduct these sessions along with forest industry 

professionals and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As long as 

SFI ® certification remains current, BMP’s only need to be taken one time with 

updated information and changes being covered in related workshops. 

BMP for Water Quality Workshops (8 hours)

These workshops address planning, timber harvesting, forest road design and 

location, wetland and stream crossing, riparian management zones, and 

permitting.

BMP for Invasive Species Workshops (8 hours)

This workshop enables loggers and other forestry-related personnel to identify 

non-native invasive species posing a threat to forest ecosystems and productivity 
99

as well as helping these individuals understand the important role they play in 

slowing the spread of these invaders. 

Continuing Education Workshops (4 hours)

In 2014, FISTA organized 38(4hr) C.E. workshops with attendance totaling 

1,149. Currently for 2015, there are 36(4hr) C.E classes to be held in various 

locations around the state. The workshops schedule is as followed:

Workshop Name # Held in 2014# Scheduled for 2015

BMP’s for Water Quality 5 4

BMP’s for Invasive Species 5 4

Chain Saw Safety 2 --

Chemical Spills on Logging Operations -- 2

Cross Training 2 --

Business Management 3 --

Current Hot Topics in Forestry -- 1

D.O.T. Compliance from A-Z 1 2

Emerging Hot Topics in Forestry -- 4

Emission Standards & Fuel Systems for Tier 4 Engines -- 1

Equipment Fire Prevention 3 2

Forest Management 1 --

Good Business + Good Stewardship 3 --

Hydraulic Safety & Lubrication -- 3

Interstate Trucking Updates 2 --

Maximizing Grade 3 2

Mechanized Training 2 --

National Forest Stewardship Program -- 1

Online Resources 2 --

OSHA for Loggers -- 2

Pesticide Applicator Training & Exam -- 1

QuickBooks 1 --

Regional Challenges in Forestry Operations -- 1 

Silviculture & Timber Sale Marking -- 4

Smart Phone & Tablet Apps for Loggers -- 2

Tax and Business Tips 2 1

Timber Marking 2 --

Timber Economics 3 2 

Whole Tree Chipper Safety 1 --

Wonders of Wildlife 2 -- 

Wilderness Rescue 3 4 
100

Training Summary:

Participants

Actual

Number

Completing

Entire 

Beginning

LT&E

Program in 

2014

Actual

Number

Attending

At Least 

One

Course in 

2014

Actual

Number

Attending

Approved 

Electives 

in 2014

Estimated

Number

Expected 

to

Complete 

LT&E

Program in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Some

Courses in 

2015

Estimated

Number

Expected to

Attend 

Approved 

Electives in 

2015

Logging 

 

Contractors

Logging 

 

Employers

Other

TOTALS 88 1,149 613 90 1,192 600

* Records do not indicate job classification.

Program The primary source of funding is obtained from the forest industry through a 

Funding: voluntary per cord assessment based on the amount of Wisconsin-based wood 

consumed. Additional funding comes from Registration fees and, in the past, 

sponsorship for costs relating to conferences, from forestry related businesses and 

organizations. Some instructor/facilitator expense is also covered through 

volunteer efforts of individuals from forestry companies and agencies.

Training

Modules: FISTA currently have options via webinars & approved electives. Online classes 

are not an option at this time.