LCMS Disaster Response and the Southeastern District will conduct a three-day Advanced/Storm Clearing Chainsaw training on April 23–25, 2026. Training will be held at Camp Linn Haven, 1308 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC. Senior LERT Chainsaw Trainers will equip LERT Chainsaw Operators with information to safely address common situations that may be found in a storm tree debris clearing situation; techniques are also applicable to more “normal” tree cutting situations, and can be applied to other complex situations.
This hands-on class seeks to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of LERT Chainsaw Operators so they can more efficiently, effectively, and safely address storm-damaged tree clearing operations on responses. It also meets the requirements for LERT Chainsaw Trainer training. This class is open to any LERT Chainsaw Operator; participants do not have to be LERT Chainsaw Trainer candidates or interested in becoming one to participate.
NOTICE: Participation in this class does not automatically mean the
participant is or will be aLERT 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 staying at Camp Linn Haven, in a group cabin.
· What to bring:
o Bedding, towel. Participants should bring a pillow, twin sheets/blanket, or sleeping bag for bunk beds. Please let us know if these items are needed.
o Weather-appropriate clothing (temperatures can range from 40’s to upper-70’s, 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 advise us if needed. Participants must wear PPE for the class.
o Chainsaw equipment – chainsaw, tools, wedges, and other desired equipment. Chainsaws will be available for use if transporting a chainsaw is a problem, but we prefer operators use their own saws. Chainsaw fuel and bar oil will be provided.
· 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 western North Carolina. Airport information:
o Asheville (AVL): approximately 72 miles
o Transportation to/from the Asheville airport can be arranged; any other transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the participant.
· 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 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.
· Registration Deadline: April 8, 2026.
