PCTA Saw Training and Certification Program Documents

The following documents are for event coordinators, organizers, and instructors holding a PCTA saw training. You can find the PCTA saw program policy, instructor evaluation forms, the classroom presentation, and more. If you have questions about any of the documents, please contact Ian Nelson, PCTA’s Saw Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Photo by Barbara McLean

Program Foundation Documents

PCTA Saw Program Vision and Purpose	Vision and purpose statements for PCTA Saw Program crafted by PCTA volunteers and staff. December 2018.
PCTA Saw Program Approval Letter	This letter recognizes the PCTA Saw Program as an approved cooperator saw program which meets the requirements of FSM 2358. Updated February 2018.
USFS Amended National Saw Policy PDF	The updated policy was published March 6, 2023. Amendments improve clarity, remove conflicting information and better support saw program managers to carry out the saw program for employees, volunteers and cooperator groups.
USFS Saw Operations Guide PDF	US Forest Service guide (v. 1.3.2) that defines common terms and definitions and identifies implementation standards for chain saw and crosscut use by Forest Service employees, volunteers, training consultants and cooperators. Updated February 2017.
VSI Teaching Tool Kit	List of items that make up PCTA’s teaching tool kit, which facilitate a saw training course both in the classroom and field. Updated March 2020.
VSI Course Checklist	Checklist of items required to facilitate the classroom portion of a saw training course. Updated April 2024.
OHLEC Field Guide Card	OHLEC cards to be distributed to saw attendees. Updated March 2020.
Complexity Hazard Chart	Complexity Hazard Chart corresponding to OHLEC. Updated March 2020.
Saw Certification Card	A certification card is valid only when signed and distributed by a designated USFS official. Certification cards will be distributed via email to saw training attendees once they have submitted current First Aid and CPR certification and successfully completed an official PCTA saw training under an approved instructor. Updated April 2023.
Saw Training Course Application Word | PDF	The application template for the PCTA saw training. Applications will typically be offered through an online form located on the PCTA website. Updated March 2020.
Class Sign-in Sheet and Report Form	Sign-in sheet and report form for students and instructors. Record travel and prep time. Indicate if instructors are volunteers, agency partners, or nonprofit staff. Updated March 2018.
VSI Recruitment Process	This document outlines key steps in recruiting and enrolling a sawyer as a Volunteer Saw Instructor-in-Training. Updated May 2020.
VSI Mentor Responsibilities	Coaching actions of a VSI-T Mentor, to ensure Volunteer Saw Instructor-in-Training success. Updated May 2020.
VSI-T Expectations	A catalog of what will be expected of a Volunteer Saw Instructor-in-Training. Updated May 2020.

Developing Thinking Sawyers Curriculum

Module 1: Intro to Saw Operations Instructor Guide; Student Guide; Pre-Work	The “Introduction to Saw Operations” module covers National Saw Program policy and legal requirements, sawyer safety, situational awareness, identification of risk, risk management, and developing a standardized OHLEC (objective, hazards, leans/binds, escape paths, cut plan) size-up process
Module 2.1: Chain Saw Basics, Maintenance, and Operation Instructor Guide; Student Guide; Pre-Work	This module describes chain saw components and how they work and explains the correct way to fuel, start, and operate a chain saw.
Module 2.2: Chain Saw Brushing, Limbing, and Bucking Instructor Guide; Student Guide; Pre-Work	This module teaches techniques for brushing, limbing, and bucking with a chain saw.
Module 3.1: Crosscut Saw Basics Instructor Guide; Student Guide; Pre-Work	This module covers the basics of crosscut saws, how to care for them, and how to use them.
Module 3.2: Crosscut Saw Limbing and Bucking Instructor Guide; Student Guide; Pre-Work	This module covers limbing and bucking techniques using a crosscut saw.
Module 4: Ax Basics, Maintenance, and Use Instructor Guide; Student Guide; Pre-Work	This module is an introduction to selecting and properly using an ax.
Module 6: Wedges Instructor Guide; Student Guide	This module is designed to give you an introduction to selecting and using wedges. Wedges provide a mechanical advantage during felling or bucking operations. Understanding the use of wedges is a key component of being a “thinking sawyer”.
Module 7: Hung-up Trees Instructor Guide; Student Guide	This module discusses how to evaluate hung-up trees and the hazards they may pose, along with options for mitigation.

Crosscut or Chain Saw-Specific Documents

Crosscut Saw Field Evaluation Form A/B/C Sawyer	Saw operator field evaluation form for crosscut saw (bucking only). Can be used in all regions.  Updated January 2025.
Chain Saw Field Evaluation Form A/B/C Sawyer	Saw operator field evaluation form for chain saw (bucking only). Can be used in all regions. Updated January 2025.
Crosscut Saw Initial Certification Quiz	Saw training attendees seeking their initial crosscut saw certification are required to fill out the quiz prior to the training and bring it with them. Updated September 2019.
Crosscut Tools Checklist	Tools and items needed for crosscut saw training and testing. Updated February 2020.
Chain Saw Initial Certification Quiz	Saw training attendees seeking their initial chain saw certification are required to fill out the quiz prior to the training and bring it with them. Updated September 2019.
Chain Saw Tools Checklist	Tools and items needed for chain saw training and testing. Updated February 2020.