A.T. Saw Safety Program

USDA Forest Service National Saw Policy

• USDA Forest Service Saw Operations Guide
• USDA Forest Service: Understanding Complexity – Moving from Theory to Concepts and Tools

NPS National Chain Saw Policy

• Update to National Chain Saw Program

3-Way MOU (ATC, NPS, USFS) for Saw Safety 

ATC Chain-saw and Crosscut Saw Training and Certification Policy

NPS/USFS Memorandum of Agreement on Saw Reciprocity for National Trails

USFS Certification Extension 2021-2022

USFS Certification Extension 2020-2021

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required for Saw Operations

• Inspection, care and retirement indicators for chain saw chaps

Recommended First Aid Kit Supply List

Alert: Chain Saw Strikes to Swampers

Job Hazard Analysis

USFS Region 8 Chainsaw JHA

USFS Region 8 Crosscut JHA

NPS APPA Chainsaw JHA

NPS APPA Crosscut JHA
NPS APPA – Power Pole Saw – Gas or Battery Powered JHA

Complexity Wallet Card

Trail Safe!

Trail Safe! is a unique safety program based on NPS Operational Leadership Training, where the human factor of safety is explored. All A.T. Sawyers should complement their certification with this supplemental training. Trail Safe! training is required for A.T. sawyers operating on non-USFS lands.

2020 Advisory on Types of Chainsaws

Curriculum from previous USDA Forest Service training course: MTDC Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course Student Handbook

Five Step Cutting Plan (OHLEC)

OHLEC Field Guide

A.T. Sawyer Resource: Saw Time Log

“The Crosscut Sawyer” Introductory Training Online with the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center

USFS Saw Operations Guide

USFS Saw Program FAQ 2022

USFS National Crosscut and Chainsaw Program

USFS Saws that Sing: A guide to using crosscut saws

One Moving Part: The Forest Service Ax Manual

Individuals must be involved with an A.T. club or ATC as an active A.T. volunteer with field work experience. Participation in a course signifies both a willingness to commit to addressing blowdowns on a club’s section or side-trails as assigned.

If you aren’t a volunteer, review this question below on what to do to move toward becoming a certified A.T. sawyer.

Training is offered free to A.T. volunteers, and space is often limited. Course applicants who are confirmed on a workshop are expected to attend, or give adequate advanced notice (> 2 weeks) for a cancellation so that another volunteer may take the spot.

If you are an A.T. volunteer facing an expiration of your certification, you may apply for courses in geography outside of where you would traditionally receive training, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you on course. Reach out to your ATC Regional Manager to learn about upcoming opportunities.

We invest in volunteers who invest in the A.T. Here’s how to get started toward your goal of becoming an A.T. certified sawyer.

• Work with an A.T. club near you as a volunteer, as part of work-trips.
• Find and take part in volunteer opportunities as a “swamper” for saw operation projects where you get to observe from a safe distance, and help pull cut material from the work area.
• Get to know field leaders who can recommend or approve you for an upcoming course.
• Be prepared to commit dedicated time to applying your saw skills to the Trail after your training.

Volunteers submit a saw course application to express interest in an upcoming course.

The roster is reviewed by ATC regional staff and local club saw coordinators to select candidates for available spots.

Confirmation or waitlist notification is issued to applicants.

Courses may range from 12 hours to 24 hours in length, depending on the instructor. Courses include both classroom and field instruction and hands-on opportunities to use a saw. Depending on the needs of the attendees and the instructors’ availability, courses may be held on a weekend or during the week and may combine day and night sessions.

The course covers the following topics:

• A job-hazard analysis to identify the hazards associated with the task, abatement actions that can eliminate or reduce hazards, and first-aid supplies and emergency evacuation procedures
• A discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for saw operation
• Situational awareness
• A hands-on demonstration of chain-saw or crosscut saw use and maintenance
• A discussion of common chain-saw or crosscut saw tasks and techniques, including bucking, limbing, and felling.
• Hands-on opportunities to practice the above techniques

The course instructor determines certification levels based upon observing a student’s proficiency with the saw during the field portion of the course. It is possible that a student may complete the course without receiving certification. Refer to the National Saw Policies in the above section to learn more about certification levels, and associated skills and knowledge.

A one-day recertification option for existing certified sawyers may be available.

The certification must be from a nationally accredited organization, such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO). There are currently no online-only courses that meet the requirements for the sawyer program; however, some hybrid courses are allowed where learning takes place online and practical application occurs in classroom.

Volunteers are encouraged, when possible, to take Wilderness First Aid training because of the remote nature of most A.T. field work.

Certified A.T. Sawyers may make requests using the following forms:

A.T. Sawyer PPE Request online form

First Aid-CPR Reimbursement Request – Requires copies or scans of proof of payment and certification through the provider.