On June 23, eleven WMHCTA volunteers participated in USFS saw training and certification at Shady Campground in the Lostine River drainage. Everyone took part in the crosscut saw training, but a few left before the chain saw part of the program. The training was for bucking only, not felling. Of special interest was a down tree that was wedged between three standing trees to create a serious side bind. With guidance from instructors, we figured out which way the down tree would move when it was cut through and how to proceed safely.

Two crosscut sawyers began the cut, and as they reached the approximate midpoint, there was a loud crack as the tree split longitudinally for several feet from the saw kerf down toward the butt of the tree. At that point, the saw handle was removed from the dangerous side of the cut and the cut was completed by a single sawyer from the safe side. As the cut was completed, the cut section sprang free with considerable force. Exciting!