For information about the dates and instructors for these classes, see our Events page
Professional Logger Workshops
Advanced Felling
Instructors will discuss and demonstrate handling difficult felling situations, leaners, hazard trees, operating around power lines, and using mechanized equipment to get trees down or process wind falls.
NOTE: Participants MUST BRING
- chainsaw
- hard hat
- ear protection
- chaps
- safety boots
- eye protection
You must be at least 18 years old and have significant chainsaw experience in order to participate.
Business Class for the Forestry Community
What criteria do you use to guide your business decisions? How do you keep records, differentiate expenses, and track revenues? Do you use spreadsheets? Who does your bookkeeping? All of these topics and more will be included in this workshop, which is part one of a series. Join UNH Cooperative Extension Business specialists and a panel of your peers for this informative new workshop designed to help you manage your business. Your input will help guide the next workshop. You may be asked to complete a small amount of homework prior to the workshop.
Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance
This is a special landowner workshop including basic chainsaw maintenance and care, inspection of personal protective equipment and chainsaws, hazard and situational awareness, chainsaw safety best practices. Participants will receive Instruction and will practice cutting tree “cookies” notches, back-cuts, and bore cutting. Felling and limbing demonstrations and practice for those participants who are ready and approved by instructors. No experience is necessary. Beginner and intermediate levels welcome.
This workshop offers - 8.0 Professional Loggers Program credits What to bring: • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
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- Hardhat conforming to ANSI #Z89 in good working condition • Eye protection/face screen that meets ANSI #Z87.1 or higher
- Hearing protection ear muffs, plugs, etc.
- Non-skid steel-toe or composite-toe boots with lug soles or caulks that provide ankle coverage
- Chainsaw chaps that fit from waist to over the top of the boot
Chainsaw:
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- Chainsaw with working chain break, rear hand guard, throttle interlock system, chain catch peg, pin or stud, anti-vibration/insulation mounts. (If your saw was made by a reputable manufacturer in the last 10 years, then it likely has all these features)
- Tools to perform basic maintenance: screech, files, guides
- Fuel up before you come.
**Please no electric/battery powered saws. If you need a gas-powered saw, or any of the above named equipment please let us know ahead of time.**
First Aid and CPR (basic)
Emergency Care and Safety Institute Standard First Aid, Adult CPR, and AED training. Additionally, special focus will be logging injury prevention and a new logging site informational form. Course content has been updated to reflect new course focus.
Offered at multiple locations around the state.
Fundamentals of Forestry
This workshop will give loggers a better understanding of forest management and appropriate applications of silviculture. Course content includes discussion/powerpoints on historical events, current status of New Hampshire forests, Silvicultural principles of New England, Forest types, landowner goals and objectives, tree growth/maturity/vigor, forest regeneration, wildlife habitat, harvesting systems, and loggers function in silviculture. Field sessions will focus on log scaling, grades, and utilization at a sawmill.
Field Sessions will include: Log scaling demonstration.Log product selection - observation of log defects and prioritizing the most profitable log product.Silvicultural field walk, discussion of management objectives, BMPS, and wildlife habitat.
Log Valuation (Scaling, Grading, Utilization)
Join industry professionals for a day long log scaling workshop. Participants will be given spec sheets and will assess tree length logs for best value; mark them, and discuss decision with wood scalers. Logs will be bucked under the professional's guidelines. Participants will scale, grade and value the logs, record the numbers and compare slips with the professionals. A mill tour will be conducted.
Mechanical Harvesting
How can cut-to-length work for you? With recent shifts in log, chip, and pulp markets many logging contractors are rethinking their equipment configurations. They are seeking to maximize efficiency, and flexibility while minimizing fuel consumption, and capital expenditures. Join forestry professionals in the “classroom” and professional operators in the woods to learn about the latest and greatest technology and equipment options and attachments for conducting cut-tolength operations. New to cut-to-length? Observe layout, landings, trails, and equipment in the field. See how you can gradually and efficiently ease in to a change and make it work to your advantage with the support you need.
Lunch is Provided
NELMA - The Basics of Grading Softwood Lumber for Structural Applications
Presented by the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NELMA), the lumber grading authority for the softwood industry located in the Northeastern and Great Lakes regions. NELMA's Standard Grading Rules for northeast timber provides the details of allowable characteristics within each grade. Director of Inspection Services, Matt Pomeroy, will provide the expertise for the workshop that will include classroom instructions in addition to hands-on review of the grades with examples of finished lumber. Workshop attendees will learn the basics of evaluating the major characteristics important to grading structural lumber such as measuring knots for cross section displacement, shakes, splits, and slope of grain. in this exercise. The grades of Select Structural, No.1, No.2 and Stud will be the focus. Please note that completing this workshop does not qualify an individual as a certified grader.
NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading
This introductory course is perfect for those wanting to get a basic understanding of the NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules. It covers standard hardwood lumber grades, kiln dried lumber rules, surfaced lumber rules, species exemptions and ample time to practice grading.
LUNCH IS PROVIDED ALL 3 DAYS
N.H. Timber Harvesting Law (In Person and Online)
A one-day workshop presenting information on New Hampshire’s Timber Harvesting Laws, Wetland Regulations, and the use of Best Management Practices. Practical, hands-on instruction for today’s logging professional. Timber Tax Law - The specific rules and process regarding the Intent and Report of Cut forms as required, plus other valuable information from the N.H. Department of Revenue Administration. Timber Harvesting Law - Forest Rangers will explain N.H.’s timber harvesting laws, including the details of slash and basal area laws, the timber trespass and deceptive forest practices laws. Wetlands Regulations - Representatives from the N.H. Wetlands Bureau will present information including wetlands identification and the procedure and requirements for preparing the Minimum Impact Notification form. Best Management Practices will also be covered. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH and dress for a woods walk.
Safe and Efficient Trucking
Overview of forest product trucking industry rules, regulations, and safety. Discussion topics cover transportation of logs, pulpwood, and chips, axle weight limits, overall weight limits, fines, securing loads of wood. Safety, rules, regulations, proper truck inspection, what to do if you are pulled over. Practice of pre-trip “mock” inspections. Gauging of truck weights and actual weighing on site.
Safe and Productive Felling
Instructors will provide "hands-on" training for topics in chainsaw maintenance and safety and safe tree felling techniques. Course focus will include demonstration and hands on exercises on hazard identification, escape routes, open facenotching, bore cutting, limbing, bucking, and timber felling. This class will be held on an active logging operation.
PLEASE BRING YOUR LUNCH
- Personal protective equipment
- Chainsaw maintenance safety
- Hazard evaluation
NOTE: Participants MUST BRING
- chainsaw
- ear protection
- safety boots
- hard hat
- chaps
- eye protection
You must be at least 18 years old and have significant chainsaw experience in order to participate.
Safe Trucking
This course is designed for both independent truckers and employers of truckers. This year we will put a renewed emphasis on legal truck weights. Specifically, what the rules/laws are governing truck weights, and strategies forest products truckers can take to insure they comply with the law. This course will also include a mock inspection from the NH Department of Safety, in addition to a brief discussion on traffic rules/ regulations and what to do if drivers are pulled over.
Landowner Workshops
Caterpillars: Indispensable Insect Herbivores
A dynamic workshop focusing on native caterpillars and their crucial, but often overlooked, function in our forest and yard ecosystems. The evening will include a forest walk, live caterpillar displays, microscope exploration, q and a sessions, and a slide show presentation focusing on the diversity and ecology of these creatures. Insect herbivores are not merely pests, as they have historically been labeled, they are instead an indispensable part of our forests and fields and we must consider them right alongside the more popular pollinators and songbirds if we are to maintain truly healthy landscapes. Come to this workshop to gain a new appreciation for New England biodiversity and to learn to love some caterpillars.
SAF Credits: 2.0 Cat. 2
ISA Credits: Certified Arborist : 2.5 ; BCMA - Science: 1.25; TW Climber Specialist: 2.5; BCMA – Practice: 1.25; TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 2.5; Municipal Specialist: 2.5
Conservation Easements: Your Land Your Legacy
Estate planning and land protection can be an important part of a landowner’s woodland stewardship. This session will use the publication Protecting your Legacy: A New Hampshire landowner's guide to conservation-based estate planning. We will cover the relationship between your forest management plan and estate planning; involving family in estate planning; common conservation options, and the role and responsibility of land trust. You will need an email address to have the webinar link and key emailed to you.
Deed Research and the Tools for Property
What steps do you take to avoid a timber trespass? Are you liable? When do you need to ask for help and who do you ask? Join state and private professionals to learn about NH timber harvesting laws (, new language approved to be incorporated into the state statutes addressing timber trespass), researching and interpreting deeds, using maps, and other resources available to you to aid in the location of property line location.
Forest Health: White Pine and Caliciopsis Canker
Join industry specialists for an outdoor A-Z session on the status of Caliciopsis canker, likely relationship with the bass scale, and the effects on white pine. Observe and learn to recognize evidence of the disease in standing trees and in wood and lumber on the ground while touring managed areas of the forest. We will also discuss white pine blister rust, white pine weevil and needle cast.
SAF Credits: 2.5 Cat. 1
ISA Credits: Certified Arborist : 3; BCMA: 1.5; TW Climber Specialist: 3; BCMA – Practice: 1.5; TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 3; Municipal Specialist: 3
Forest Health: Emerald Ash Borer
Join industry specialists to learn about the life history of the emerald ash borer and it’s “territory” in NH. Hear the latest and greatest news and progress on treatments such as biocontrol, pesticide application and silvicultural treatments. We will examine examples of borer damage on the ground, observe pesticide application, and tour the forest to observe standing ash trees.
SAF Credits: 2.5 Cat. 1
ISA Credits: Certified Arborist : 3; BCMA: 1.5; TW Climber Specialist: 3; BCMA – Practice: 1.5; TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 3; Municipal Specialist: 3
Forest Fungi: Secret Underground Relationships and Above Ground Evidence
Did you know the largest living organism on the planet is a fungus? Join industry specialists to learn about the ecology of fungi, their underground relationships, and above ground evidence. The focus is on beneficial mycorrhizal relationships, but pathogens will also be discussed. We will identify and examine common fungi in the field.
SAF Credits: 2.0 Cat. 2
ISA Credits: Certified Arborist : 2.5 ; BCMA - Science: 1.25; TW Climber Specialist: 2.5; BCMA – Practice: 1.25; TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 2.5
Forest Management, Cultural Features, and Landlocked Neighbors
To cut or not to cut, stewardship, and being a good neighbor are all things considered by landowner Phil Primack, and forester Charlie Merino when coming up with a plan for the forest. Join Phil and Charlie, Greg Jordan, Rockingham County Forester, UNH Cooperative Extension, and “neighbor” Connor Breton, Forest & Wildlife Habitat Manager, SELT, for a tour of the areas managed to regenerate the forest, to improve forest health, or to “leave things as they are” in no cut zones. You’ll be able to compare an area that was just harvested for the very first time with an area that’s been harvested three times in the last 30+ years. Cultural features and a surprise “quiz” round out the tour.
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes and layered clothing or hiking in the woods, water bottle.
Legal Aspects of Owning Land
Potential Topics for discussion and questions:
- Tax Maps and Associated Indices––these are basic sources of information but…use with caution, they are basically a locus map and not of survey quality or to be relied upon for boundary information.
- Assessment Cards; who, what, where, when, how and its value; more basic information
- Understanding property deeds is like algebra: always trying to solve for the unknown, except in algebra there actually is an answer, not always in deed research; No requirement in NH to record a deed or boundary plan—this can make the work very interesting.
- Kinds of Deeds: quitclaim, warranty, fiduciary, corrective, tax deed
- Boundary line agreement (statutory requirements)
- Types of Deed Descriptions: bounding v running, lot #, combinations
- Grantor and Grantee (seller and buyer) (quarterback and receiver)
And many more ...
Logging with Farm Tractors - Back to Basics Class
Do you have a farm tractor that you are thinking about using in the woods? While they have their limitations, when equipped properly tractors can be play an important role in working in your woodlot. Come to this "in action" workshop to find out about ways you can safely and productively use a farm tractor as a tool in forestry. This workshop will focus on tractor applications, matching tractor size with specific tasks, safety features and practices, attachments, and basic winching and log skidding techniques.
Metes and Bounds Workshop
Understanding deed descriptions can cause confusion when locating property boundaries. This workshop will help de-code deed language and offer instruction in land navigation utilizing standard equipment and modern technology. Indoor presentation and outdoor investigation. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Goal—Indoor Session: Introduce participants to tax map and assessment data; deeds to real estate; interpreting deeds; terms of art; other sources and kinds of information
Goal––Outdoor Session: boundary evidence; harmonizing deed language with physical evidence; techniques of boundary maintenance (blazing, painting lines)
Natural Resource Conservation Service Cost-sharing Programs
Does your private forest land have a stewardship quality forest plan or wildlife management plan? Licensed Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) can be hired to write these plans; Natural Resources Conservation Service can help fund plans through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Conservation practices can be used to increase timber production, diversity of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitats and provide access to forest stands needing work. Join us to find out more about this and other cost-sharing opportunities available
A Passion for Planning, Process, Culmination, and Reward
If you have the passion, you can enjoy the process of achieving your objectives and reaching your goals. Wildlife habitat management is one of the passions of Three Oaks Tree Farm Owner, Jack Bronnenberg. Jack manages for multiple use on his property and enjoys the process while using his skills to see his ideas come to fruition. Join us to learn more about the many species Jack manages for, how he does it, and the enjoyment he is rewarded with as a result of wildlife and timber management
What to bring: Sturdy shoes and layered clothing for hiking in the woods, water bottle.
Roads and Rights of Way
There are several legal considerations associated with land management, product transportation, property access, and rights of way. Whether you are actively managing your own woodlot and concerned about road access, or have questions about legal rights of way; this class will provide a beneficial overview for most any access concern for private landowners. Topics include: town road classifications, property access issues, property easements (conservation, transmission lines, etc.), and road restrictions. There are several legal considerations associated with land management, product transportation, property access, and rights of way. Whether you are actively managing your own woodlot and concerned about road access, or have questions about legal rights of way; this class will provide a beneficial overview for most any access concern for private landowners. Topics include: town road classifications, property access issues, property easements (conservation, transmission lines, etc.), and road restrictions.
Selling Timber? Do it Right!
Selling timber is a once in a lifetime activity for many landowners. No single activity has such power to significantly improve or degrade your forest. Proper harvesting can provide income, improve wildlife habitat, promote healthy forests and vigorous forests, and improve access. Topics include: landowner goals and objectives, role of foresters and loggers, timber sale contracts, laws and taxes. You will need an email address to have the webinar link and key emailed to you.
Wetlands and Forestry: Optimizing the Benefits
Do swamps, marshes, seasonal pools, or other wetlands occur in the forests you own or manage? This field workshop will survey a variety of methods to sustain or enhance their ecological value on a productive woodlot or timberland. Topics will include: road engineering, beaver management, water quality protection, and using knowledge of soils and forest types to plan harvests that create high-quality wildlife habitat.
Wild Brook Trout Management: Wood in Streams for Aquatic Organisms
Brook trout and many aquatic invertebrates are extremely sensitive to environmental changes and habitat alterations. Brook trout [Salvelinus fontinalis] are the only native stream-dwelling trout species located in the eastern United States. They require cold, clean water to survive, and are an important indicator species for warning signs of a reduction in the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem. Join UNH Cooperative Extension, NRCS, Trout Unlimited, professional foresters, and hosts Sarah and Andrew Schwaegler for a workshop which will provide a comprehensive overview and guide for why and how large wood can be added to headwater (first order) streams to improve their function and habitat value. Participants will also have an opportunity to observe the habitat work that has already been completed on site.
Woodlot Valuation and Economics
Most woodlot owners will sell timber at some point during their tenure. Learn how trees, sawlogs, and other forest products are measured and sold and how foresters and logging contractors determine stumpage prices. Join Andy Fast, UNH Cooperative Extension Forest Industry Specialist, and Greg Jordan, Rockingham County Extension Forester for a review the economics of owning and managing a woodlot in NH.
Women in the Woods - Women's Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance
Wendy Weisiger, Managing Forester, Society for the Protection of NH Forests
Michael Gagnon, Forestry Field Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension
This two-day course is specially designed for women by women with insight and experience in educational programs for women. No experience is necessary though this course is also an effective refresher for more experienced individuals who have developed some bad habits with a saw. This is the gateway course to learning more advanced practices.
The focus of this course is on safety: safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, and safe habits. The first day will focus on safety gear, parts of a chainsaw and function, chainsaw safety features, basic saw maintenance, and introduction to proper and safe operation. The second day will focus on practice and application of basic chainsaw operation, safe movement and operation, making straight up and down cuts, limbing, and tension and compression wood. Students will learn bore cutting methods and see a felling demonstration.
The goal of this course is to provide each participant with the tools to evaluate practices and equipment for safety. All participants will have the opportunity to practice chainsaw use in a safe, controlled, and supervised environment. This course is designed to provide a classroom where all participants have ample opportunity to ask questions and practice these techniques. The instructors will break groups out based on experience and some participants may have the opportunity to try more advanced techniques depending on their experience level.
Space: Limited to 15 participants, pre-registration required.
What to bring:
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required. All students must have: helmet, eye protection, ear protection, steel-toe (or composite-toe) boots, and chainsaw chaps. Students should bring their own chainsaws (if they have them) but instructors will provide classroom saws for everyone to use. We have limited gear to loan; please contact Cheri Birch in advance to inquire about available equipment. Bring a water bottle, snacks, and a lunch for each day.
"Women in the Woods" is a collaboration between UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Timberland Owners Association, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and other partners aimed at connecting women landowners and land managers with the resources, skills, and community they need to make informed stewardship decisions that promote healthy forest resources