Funded through the Recreational Trails Program, The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) is sponsoring two Chainsaw Safety Training Workshops to teach and promote safe and effective chainsaw use for volunteers who are working on ice storm damage cleanup crews this spring and summer season. 7 Generations, Inc will provide instructors for two, 1-day training courses with an indoor classroom session in the morning and an outdoor field demonstration in the afternoon along trails which have experienced significant ice-storm damage. The course will include discussion and demonstration on: safety, personal protective equipment, chain saw sharpening techniques, safe starting procedures, reactive forces and kick back, notches, directional felling, limbing and bucking, springpoles, and use of wedges.

The cost for the course is $20, lunch will be provided. As a requirement for the course, participants must sign a pledge to provide 20 hours of volunteer work towards ice storm damage cleanup efforts anywhere in the state. Openings for the course will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be based on filling a certain number of slots according to the seven counties in Massachusetts. Volunteers are encouraged to participate from all regions in Massachusetts. Each course has a maximum capacity of 20 people. Class will be held rain, snow or shine so appropriate dress should be considered. Participants must bring the following to participate in the outdoor training session: Hard hat, safety glasses or face shield, hearing protection, gloves, leg protection, chain saw, fuel and bar oil.