The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is offering the Cutting Firewood Safely course at several Island locations in November. Designed for people who use a chainsaw around property and want to become aware of how to use a saw safely and efficiently when cutting trees or blocking firewood, the course is taught by Provincial Forest crew chiefs who supervise cutting crews on public lands across PEI.
Every day, dozens of Islanders use a chainsaw to clear trees and brush, process fire wood, and complete other chores which require cutting power. However, while the chainsaw is a remarkably useful and efficient tool, it can also be a very dangerous when improperly used or maintained.
The Cutting Firewood Safely course focuses on safe felling, limbing and bucking and will introduce students to safety clothing, cold and warm starts, tree notching and safe felling, and saw safety trouble shooting and cutting techniques. Classes will include both indoor sessions and hands-on outdoor practice. The idea is to give users a balanced overview of the machine and how to use it effectively and safely. Additional time may be spent on wildlife enhancement and forest management techniques.
There is no fee for the course but space is limited, so students must preregister by calling their local Forest District Office. Courses will be held at the Eastern Forest District office in Southampton and the Western Forest District office in Wellington on November 1 and 2 and at the Central Forest District office at 170 Beach Grove Road in Charlottetown on November 15 and 16. All courses run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Field demonstrations will be held in the forest from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon in the Eastern and Western Districts on November 4 and in the Central District on November 18.
To register, contact the Southampton office at (902) 961-7296, Beach Grove at (902) 368-4800 and Wellington at (902) 854-7260.