Minnesota North District is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on September 6, 2025. This training is intended to increase LERT volunteer’s skills, knowledge and safety in chainsaw operation so they can provide a critical service to those who do not have the skills or means to perform this dangerous work following a disaster.
The training will be held at Faith Community Lutheran Church, Zimmerman, MN on September 6, 2025. Directions to training site will be provided to registrants before the day of training. Participants should arrive at the site by 7:30 a.m. to register. Class will begin promptly at 8:00 am and conclude between 4:00 pm. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all material for, and after, the class.
You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.
During the training, participants will learn:
- Safe operation of a chainsaw
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Injury prevention
- How to buck and limb storm damaged trees
- How to properly clear debris in safe and beneficial manner
- How to fell trees and
- Proper saw maintenance.
The morning session is classroom training. The afternoon session is hands-on field chainsaw operation training where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills. This training is limited to 10 participants.
To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses sites, you must attend BOTH the morning classroom and afternoon "hands-on" sessions.
Class registration must be made at www.lcms-lert.org.
Cost of Training:
- Registration (includes training, lunch and snacks) -- $55
- Pay at the time of training; exact cash or checks payable to “Minnesota North District – LERT”.
Participants should bring:
- Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix (if you have these items)
- Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves, and steel-toe boots).
- Participants must wear steel-toed boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed in the afternoon field session.
- Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time. Shorts are not allowed.If more information is needed, contact the site coordinator, Rev. Gary Rehborg, (763) 370-3441
