KUDOS

Many trail maintenance tasks such as cutting back branches and overgrown brush and mowing grass are done one or more times during the spring-fall time. Projects such as cleaning out ditches and repairing trail tread occur yearly or even more infrequently as needed. But the removal of trees that fall across the trail is an ongoing, year round process that is often unpredictable (except maybe after big storms). Even then, the location of the “blow downs” is unknown until someone hiking the trail reports them. Similarly, the identification of hazard trees (i.e. those that pose a risk to hikers either through collapse or from falling limbs commonly called “widow makers”) and their subsequent safe removal is also an ongoing process. Reports of downed trees are typically made by either trail stewards or hikers and then “up channeled” to the Trail Steward Coordinator and then on to the chainsaw team. Hazard trees are more commonly identified by trained personnel who regularly hike the trail looking for them.

Although hand saws and loppers are sometimes sufficient to remove small blow downs, chainsaws are the primary tools used for removing significant obstructions and hazard trees. In order to use a chainsaw on the Link/North Country National Scenic Trails, the operator must be a USFS Certified "Sawyer." This status is attained by attending and passing a 2-day certification class, as well as completing both First Aid and CPR classes (conducted by a nationally recognized organization). During the chain sawyer certification course, students study safety requirements (including use of personal protective equipment) and identify common mistakes made during chainsaw operations. They also study chainsaw use and maintenance, and specific techniques for limbing, bucking, and felling trees. In addition to classroom instruction, there is a field proficiency day where students put all their knowledge and techniques to work (under the supervision and evaluation of course instructors). Based on the students’ demonstrated proficiency, they then receive certification levels (either apprentice, intermediate, or advanced) that dictates what level of work they may engage in.

The CNY Chapter presently has nine chain sawyers, several of whom are also trail stewards. The sawyer team presently falls under Trail Planning and Construction which is headed up by Steve Kinne.

A complete chainsaw “sweep” of the Link Trail was performed this past summer, 2009, with Steve Kinne, Mike Lynch, and Dave Harper doing the majority of the sawyer work. Packing in all their equipment, they hiked various sections on different days, stopping along the way to remove all downed trees and identifying and removing many hazard trees. Despite this highly successful project, more trees have undoubtedly come down since then (especially over the winter) and the sawyers will be busy once again come spring and summer.

If you are interested in becoming a certified sawyer, contact Al Larmann about any future training courses. If you would like to volunteer as a “swamper” (a person that accompanies the chain saw operator for safety, and who assists in removing cut branches, etc.) please contact Steve Kinne at 882-3684. Our safety helmets are off to these dedicated volunteers, who do their part in making sure the entire Link Trail stays open to users year round.

North Country Trail Association Central New York Chapter