Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance, a Hands-On Workshop

WENATCHEE, Wash. – Once the tool of the professional logger, the chainsaw has become an everyday tool for a wide variety of individuals. Homeowners use them to cut firewood. Forest owners and farmers use them for pruning, thinning, and harvesting trees. Contractors clear land and landscapers use them for tree and shrub pruning and removal.

Washington State University Chelan County Extension, the Washington Farm Forestry Association, and Stihl Northwest are sponsoring a hands-on workshop on chainsaw safety. The class will provide details on safe chainsaw operation regardless of the make and size of the saw or how it is used.

The workshop will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, from 9 am until noon at the Leavenworth Fire Station, 228 Chumstick Highway in Leavenworth.

The class will cover basic chainsaw operation safety, safety gear and equipment, and how to sharpen and maintain your saw. It will be a hands-on workshop so participants should bring their saws.

The course fee is $20 per person and is limited to the first 40 people to register on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick up a registration form by visiting the WSU Chelan County Extension office, 303 Palouse Street in Wenatchee. You can also download the form at http://www.ncw.wsu.edu/foreststewardship/events.htm.

For more information, call WSU Extension Forester Andy Perleberg, 509-667-6540 or write andyp@wsu.edu.

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