The Forest Service is looking to implement a new chainsaw policy
You can view it here
http://www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/2358-Saw-Policy-TAI-6-11-15_0.pdf
Notice for public comments here
http://www.fs.fed.us/news/releases/forest-service-seeks-public-comment-proposed-policy-training-and-certification-use
There are few changes, nothing bad, some good
Would not affect current saw cards until they expire
Instead of Sawyer class A,B,C, C-evaluator
There will be two new groups
A, B-Bucking only, B-Felling & Bucking, C-Bucking only, C-Felling & Bucking, C-evaluator
The B-bucking only category should be good for many volunteers who do not have or need much felling experience
Also size limits will be replaced by complexity
A= Least complex
B= Moderately complex
C= Highly complex
B sawyer use to be up to 24”
That will be replaced by
May independently fell, buck, and limb any size material in moderately complex situations
I question who/what determines complexity level, I will ask that of them at a later date.
There also will now be a National Saw Certification Database.
This should allow them to better track who is certified.
This would enable them to find all Volunteers who are currently certified in a certain National Forest at any one time.
It would also let them reach out to those who’s certification is about to expire to see if they need/want to recertify.
