LCMS Disaster Response and the Missouri District will conduct a three-day Advanced/Storm Clearing Chainsaw training on November 16-18, 2026. Training will be held at Heit's Point Camp, 28345 Heit's Point Ave, Lincoln, Mo. 65338.
Participants are expected to arrive on November 15, 2026. Senior LERT Chainsaw Trainers will equip LERT Chainsaw Operators with information to safely address common situations found in storm tree-debris clearing; these techniques also apply to more “normal” tree-cutting situations and can be used in other complex situations.
This hands-on class seeks to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of LERT Chainsaw Operators so they can address storm-damaged tree-clearing operations more efficiently, effectively, and safely. It also meets the requirements for a portion of the LERT Chainsaw Trainer training.
NOTICE: Participation in this class does not automatically mean the participant is or will be an LERT Chainsaw Trainer. Those interested in being a Trainer must complete the Trainer Application process, which includes approval of your DDRC and a current LERT Chainsaw Trainer.
General Information
· Housing: We will be at Heit's Point camp in a Bunkhouse. Cost is $10/person/night.
or: at Spitz Center (own room $45/night.
or: RV parking (no water in November) $20/night
Contact Janine, Camp Director, directly at 620-795-2008 to reserve housing.
· What to bring:
o Chainsaw Manual
o Bedding, towel. Participants should bring a pillow, twin sheets/blanket, or sleeping bag for bunk beds.
o Weather-appropriate clothing (temperatures can range from the 40s to the upper 70s, slight chance of rain; check the weather outlook before you come).
o Chainsaw PPE – chaps, helmet, eye protection, gloves, steel-toed boots. Limited PPE may be available; please let us know if you need it. Participants must wear PPE for the class.
o Chainsaw equipment – chainsaw, tools, wedges, and other desired equipment. Chainsaws will be available if transporting a chainsaw is a problem, but we prefer operators to use their own saws. We will provide chainsaw fuel and bar oil.
· Meals: Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks) will be provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
· Location: The camp is located in Central Missouri.
· Health Conditions: This is a hands-on class that will require participants to handle chainsaws and trees in the woods.
· Prerequisite: Participants must have previously completed the LERT basic Chainsaw Operator training, the Intermediate Chainsaw class and attended several chainsaw-related deployments to participate in this class; be comfortable operating a chainsaw; and be knowledgeable in felling, limbing and bucking trees.
· Class Size: This is a hands-on class, so class size is limited to 10 participants.
· Trainers: The class will be led by senior LERT Chainsaw Trainers, each with years of chainsaw storm-clearing experience.
Schedule
· Sunday, 11/15 Travel day: Arrive early afternoon
· Monday, 11/16 Morning – classroom instruction
Afternoon – field exercises
Evening – saw maintenance, group discussion
· Tuesday, 11/17 Daytime – field exercises
Evening – group discussion
· Wednesday, 11/18 Daytime – field exercises
Evening – group discussion
· Thursday, 11/19 Travel day: Leave by 10:00 am
· Class hours: 8:00 – 5:00
Cost: $125
Please sign up for all three shifts.
Senior Chainsaw Trainers: Ricky Gross and trainer Kurt Elsesser will assist.
If you have any questions, please contact Kris Schuldt at pitchatent@centurytel.net or 314-971-5747.
