Timber Tales - The Game of Logging

TEMJ 20070 - Game of Logging, Chainsaws, The Hinge, Plunge Cut, Chaps, Cutting Teeth, PPE, Bill Girard, Felling, Reactive Forces, Forestry, Safety

I’ve been cutting down trees ever since I was a kid. I’ve cut trees down with hand saws, axes and chainsaws. While in high school, I once built a log cabin in the woods. I have a decent amount of experience felling trees but no formal training in logging or forestry. Yet I was compelled to take the Game of Logging training after I processed a tree with a CT DEEP co-worker. Why would anyone do this? 

STIHL chainsaws staged in a pickup truck bed just prior to storm damage assessment

I was thoroughly impressed when I witnessed my boss, Tyler, skillfully and systematically process a fallen hickory tree that had obstructed a trail in one of the State parks where I work. The situation was challenging as the hickory tree had fallen on a young maple, creating a spring pole effect.

Tyler's remarkable proficiency in handling this complex scenario stemmed from his recent training with the Game of Logging, where Bill Girard served as his instructor. Witnessing Tyler's expertise in action made me realize the depth of knowledge and techniques that could be acquired through formal training.

Seeing Tyler efficiently and safely navigate the tree and spring pole inspired me to recognize the importance of continuous learning in this field. The incident highlighted that there is always more to discover and master when it comes to forestry and chainsaw operation.

Tyler's successful handling of the situation served as a testament to the practicality and effectiveness of the Game of Logging training, instilling in me a strong desire to further expand my own knowledge and skills in order to contribute to the safe and efficient management of trees in our CT State Parks.