LERT Basic Chainsaw Training, Shepherd's Hill at the Crossroads, St. John ND, 5-27 thru 28-2026

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw Training will begin with classroom training at Shepherd's Hill at the Crossroads, St. John, ND, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 27 and 28, 2026.  

Prerequisite:
Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.

Registration will start at 4 PM on Wednesday, with class starting at 4:30 PM. 

The hands-on (field) training will run from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Thursday.  You must be 18 years old and attend the classroom portion of the training on Wednesday to participate in the hands-on training on Thursday. Following the training, participants are encouraged to sign up for the chainsaw deployment at the camp.  

Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist individuals who may lack the resources or skills to undertake this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure that LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and effectively.

Training topics include chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking, limbing, and felling trees, and safe debris removal.

Age Requirements:

• Anyone age 16 or older may attend.
• Participants ages 16–17 may not operate a chainsaw but may train and serve as draggers.

Safety Gear & Equipment (required for hands-on participants):

• Chainsaw safety PPE: helmet, eye protection, gloves, chaps, and steel-toed boots
• Steel-toed work boots are mandatory; tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permitted
• Outdoor work clothing appropriate for the weather; shorts are prohibited
• Participants should bring their own chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel mix if available
• Some training chainsaws and PPE will be provided if needed

Training Costs:

• $30.00 per person

Contact Info:

If further information is needed, please contact Kirk Rosin at 701-361-6441 or e-mail krosin@juno.com.

Volunteers should be between the ages of 16 and 90.

Is Not Family Friendly

Is Outdoors

Bring PPE

Wear steel-toed boot