Sawyer Training & Advancement

Upcoming Saw Training and Events

FALL 2025 Crosscut: We are Hosting a Crosscut Course Oct 4-5. in Sisters, OR.

FALL 2025 Chainsaw: We are teaming up with CV and will be helping at a Chainsaw Course Oct 11-12 in Detroit.

Summer is winding down and IFPL restrictions are in place on most Oregon Forests. Most places are in IFPL 2 - which translates to no chainsaws allowed from 1-8pm.

Current list of needs:

  • Gold lake trail clearing (Willamette)

  • North Umpqua Trail (ongoing)

  • Gordon Lakes Trail (Sept. 27th with COTA+CV)

COTA Saw Program Goal
Elevate and train regional sawyers to the highest levels of proficiency.

Seeking High Complexity
Advanced training often occurs outside Central Oregon due to limited C-level complexity. Forests like the Willamette and Umpqua provide the challenging conditions essential for national standards. To support statewide training, our evaluators need experience in these environments.

COTA also offers rigging training in the Umpqua National Forest.

Collaborate and Expand
Whenever possible - We partner with groups like Cascade Volunteers, Salamanders, Scorpions, Trans Cascadia, OTTA, OTA, TKO and Camas Trail Crew on complex projects. To gain experience, sign up on Better Impact for trail work coordination across Oregon.