Photo by Lauren Ruhe
Central Cascades Saw Training and Certification events are hosted by the Pacific Crest Trail Association and U.S. Forest Service, where qualified participants can earn saw certifications and re-certifications. These saw trainings are possible thanks to safety and operation agreements with the U.S. Forest Service. These events are open to PCTA volunteers and members only. The PCTA saw program only certifies sawyers for bucking operations.
Copies of current First Aid and CPR certifications must be submitted to attend PCTA saw certification events. The application process is very competitive. Submitting your application does not guarantee admission into the training. Learn more about PCTA’s Saw Training and Certification program.
When and where is the 2025 event?
March 29th & May 2nd-4th in Oregon City, OR and Carson, WA
This is a three day saw certification event for both Chainsaw and Crosscut, for those that would like to become certified. Participants must attend either the March 29th or May 2nd classroom session in order to attend the field evaluation the weekend of May 3rd-4th.
This event is open for registration.
Please forward questions pertaining to saw training and certification to [email protected].
Initial Chainsaw/Crosscut Classroom Session
For those seeking either the crosscut or chainsaw initial field certification, participants must attend either the March 29th classroom session OR the May 2nd classroom session in order to attend the field evaluation May 3rd-4th, per the updated USFS Region 6 Saw Policy. We’ll spend the day in the classroom, covering safety procedures, bind analysis, and specific equipment and techniques to enable volunteers to safely use saws for trail maintenance.
| Event | Classroom Session Alternate | Certification Classroom Session |
| When | Saturday, March 29th | Friday, May 2nd |
| Time | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Where | Tamarind Ranch in Oregon City, OR | Wind River Work Center in Carson, WA |
| More details & how to register | PCTAConnect | PCTAConnect |
Initial Saw Certification
The Crosscut class is intended for initial Crosscut Saw certification of individuals with minimal saw experience applying for Trainee (A) level certification. The Chainsaw class is intended for students with crosscut certifications who want to add a chainsaw cert.
As this is a certification event, YOU MUST HAVE prior experience as a swamper on log-out crews, either through the PCTA #103 Basic Saw Crew class or through participation in multiple log-out work parties. If you’re interested in becoming a certified sawyer but have no prior experience with log-out, the PCTA #103 Basic Saw Crew class is the right place to start.
Saturday, we’ll wrap up any remaining classroom work in the morning and then head to a field location to develop our skills & practice on low complexity log-out scenarios. Sunday, we’ll be back in the field all day for skill practice with saws, more complex cuts, and finishing up with evaluation of students to become certified.
| Event | Crosscut Certification | Chainsaw Certification |
| When | Saturday, May 3rd – Sunday, May 4th | Saturday, May 3rd- Sunday, May 4th |
| Time | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily |
| Where | Wind River Work Center in Carson, WA | Wind River Work Center in Carson, WA |
| More details & how to register | PCTAConnect | PCTAConnect |
Do I need a current First Aid and CPR card for saw certification?
Yes. PCTA staff and volunteers cannot operate chain or crosscut saws unless they hold a recognized and valid sawyer certification, First Aid, and CPR card. PCTA must have copies of current First Aid and CPR qualifications in order to issue saw certification. After applying for saw trainings, applicants will need to submit copies of their certification cards via PCTAConnect (Navigate to “My Volunteering” and select “My Certifications” to upload) or email them to [email protected]. First Aid Certifications must include an in-person component (cannot be online-only) per OSHA requirements.