Minnesota North District is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on May 1 & 2, 2026. This training is intended to increase LERT volunteers’ 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 classroom training will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Perham, MN, on May 1, 2025, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Directions to the training site will be provided to registrants before the day of training. Participants should arrive at the site by 5:00 p.m. to register. Class will begin promptly at 5:30 pm and conclude between 8:00 and 8:30 pm. The field training will be held at Lutheran Island Camp, Henning, MN, on May 2 from 8:30 am to 12:30 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 and
- Proper saw maintenance.
The first day's session is classroom training at St Paul Lutheran Church, Perham, MN.
The second day's session is hands-on field chainsaw operation training, Lutheran Island Camp, Henning, MN, where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills. This training is limited to 6 participants.
To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster response sites, you must attend BOTH the classroom and "hands-on" field training session.
Class registration must be made at www.lcms-lert.org.
- Registration (includes classroom training, field training w/ lunch and snacks) -- $55
- Pay at the time of training; checks payable to “Minnesota North District – LERT”.
Participants should bring:
- (if they have them) Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix,
- (required) Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves, and steel-toe boots).
- (required) 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. Chainsaw Trainer Rev. Gary Rehborg, MN North District, will lead the training event.
If more information is needed, contact the site coordinator, Rev. Gary Rehborg, (763) 370-3441
