A huge thank you to TKO for creating amazing educational opportunites!
by Gracie Woodruff
When I got there, I was welcomed by a dirty Paul Bunyan– a full beard, flannel shirt, and beanie-wearing man named Vito, he was one of the instructors. He pulled off a piece of painter’s tape and told me to put my name on it. Instantly I could tell that this man was down to earth and more concerned with function over image. The authenticity of the teachers in the front of the room filled me with a sense of calm that I was going to learn some real skills– not an ego show.
The instructors welcomed us, emphasizing that we are always learning and growing and trying to be better people. That they wanted to be inclusive of all people, and encouraged us to talk to them if we had any concerns or feedback.
They rolled out a new lesson format, and took turns telling us about various pieces of Chainsaw information. Mid-morning, they brought out a module that really caught my attention. They talked about moving away from toxic ego culture, and introduced the idea of being green, amber or red. Green is being present and working in-team. Amber is the beginning of being unfocused, and red means there is a problem. Green is the only time anyone should be using a chainsaw. Building self-awareness of emotions, thoughts and memories that impact our mental state is very important to chainsaw safety. Switchbacking is when the brain starts to spiral due to an ego bruising event such as a chainsaw not working the way we want it to, or a tree not cutting the way we want it to– especially in front of others. The lesson focused on what an individual needs to do to get back to “in team”, even if it might be quitting for the day.
This perspective of mental health and changing ego-driven culture really caught my attention. It made me feel safe to be me in the classroom. It made me feel that I had a place on a trail crew.
Boring!
We went outside and got some hands-on experience with the chainsaws. First we checked our PPE safety equipment, then we checked the saws. They divided us into smaller, instructor-led groups and each of us got to practice starting the saws and using them on an A-level log under the guidance of the instructor. We asked questions, made mistakes and tried again. I went from afraid of the saw to confidently boring into a giant log, and it felt extremely empowering! The chainsaw morphed in my mind from a scary weapon to a useful tool. We talked about where the binds in the logs were, and I will never see a downed tree the same again. Where is the compression? Where is the tension? How should I cut it to have a successful cut and not get my saw pinched?
Sunday we met in Estacada, a burned-out forest area that would be a safe place for us to practice. We were in small groups again. The instructor created a scenario of where a trail was going to be. One person was the Lead Sawyer, and that person had to lead the project. We had to follow the OHLEC procedure– Objective, Hazard, Leans/Binds, Escape Plan and Cut Plan. Once we had the cut plan, we had to tell our crew what to do– how to be “swampers” and clear brush and logs efficiently and safely while we cut them.
The other woman, Kat, went first. I watched everything she did. I was very nervous for when it was my turn to be in charge and direct people to do things I had only just learned. She did it so confidently! It was inspiring! When it was my turn, I talked through the problems with my instructor Beth, and she gave me feedback. I made my cut plan and directed my crew on what to do as I cut. When I turned the chainsaw on, all of my fears faded away. I had so much support between the instructors and the other learners. I felt safe to make mistakes and ask questions and everyone in my group was on the same page. It felt fulfilling to see the jumble of brush and logs transform into a clean, neat pile of logs with different cuts. My chainsaw connected me to the energy of the tree, and our teamwork on one objective connected me to my crew. We sat in the woods and ate lunch together, and I will remember that moment.
Fear melted into confidence and success.
The smile of a well-spent day in the woods learning new skills
We arrived at the site as individuals, and finished the job as a team.
I am so stoked to begin using my skills on the trail! I can’t wait to get out there and solve problems with my chainsaw. It was so worth it to take this training!
If you have always wanted to learn how to use a chainsaw like I have and want to give back to the trails that you love, I encourage you to seek out sawyer training. It will fill you with confidence and knowledge to use a chainsaw safely and correctly. It is a good investment in yourself and in your trails.