LCMS Disaster Response and Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response will conduct a three-day Advanced/Storm Clearing Chainsaw training the first week of February 2025. Training will be held at North Florida Christian Camp, 6779 Camp Road, Keystone Heights, FL. 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 serves to meet a requirement 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 a 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 staying at North Florida Christian Camp, 6779 Camp Road, Keystone Heights, FL, in a group cabin.
What to bring:
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.
Weather-appropriate clothing - temperatures can range from 30’s to mid-70’s, slight chance of rain; check the weather outlook before you come. Shorts and non-steel-toed boots not allowed during training.
Chainsaw PPE – chaps, helmet, eye protection, gloves, steel-toed boots. Limited PPE may be available for use; please advise us if needed. Participants must wear PPE for the class.
Chainsaw equipment - chainsaw, tools, wedges, other desired equipment. Chainsaws will be available for use if transporting a chainsaw will be a problem. 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 north central Florida, between Gainesville and Jacksonville. Airport information:
Gainesville (GNV): approximately 30 miles
Jacksonville (JAX): approximately 60 miles
Orlando (MCO): approximately 140 miles
Transportation to/from the Gainesville airport can be arranged; any other transportation arrangements are the responsibility of the participant.
Health Conditions: This is a hands-on class which will require participants to handle chainsaws and trees in the woods.
Prerequisite: You must have previously completed the LERT basic Chainsaw Operator training to participate in this class.
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: January 15, 2025.
Schedule
Monday, 2/3 - Travel day: Arrive between 3:00 – 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 2/4 - Morning – classroom instruction
Afternoon – field exercises
Evening – saw maintenance, group discussion
Wednesday, 2/5 Daytime – field exercises
Evening – group discussion
Thursday, 2/6 Daytime – field exercises
Evening – group discussion
Friday, 2/7 - Travel day: Leave by 10:00 am
Class hours: 8:00 – 5:00.
Course Content
Safe tree felling techniques
5-Step Felling Plan
Complex felling situations
Safe limbing techniques
Binds and pressures on limbs
Use of a pole saw
Basic rope use
Participants Will Receive
4 nights lodging
Meals, snacks, beverages
A copy of To Fell a Tree by Jeff Jepson
Both a LERT and FGLER t-shirt
Transportation from/to the Gainesville airport (only), if needed
Superior instruction from very experienced Senior LERT Chainsaw Trainers
Excellent camaraderie and networking with other LERT Chainsaw Operators
And more!
LERT Chainsaw Trainer Candidate Information
This class meets the 3-day “Storm Clearing Class” requirement for the LERT Chainsaw Trainer process. If you are interested in being a LERT Chainsaw Trainer you must:
Be LERT trained.
Be a LERT Chainsaw Operator, with at least two years active chainsaw experience.
Be an active LERT participant, with mobilization and storm clearing experience.
Have a good working knowledge, skills, abilities, and confidence in handling a saw.
Complete the Trainer Application (contact your DDRC for the application), which includes a recommendation from a LERT Chainsaw Trainer and your DDRC. This process should be initiated prior to the class.
Have the Trainer Application approved by LCMS Disaster Response.
NOTICE: Participation in this class does not automatically mean the participant is or will be a 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. One does not need to be Trainer-Candidate to participate.
Training Costs:
$100
Payment may be made at www.fgler.org, or at the time of training. Cash, checks (payable to "Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response, Inc."), or credit card accepted.
“Scholarships” are available to assist in making this class affordable. If this is desired, please contact Joel for more information.
Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at jmathews@fgler.org.
