I thought this clinic (below) may be of interest to your chapter members as we head into spring.
Sincerely,
Karen Bailey
208-849-3474
Education chairman
Walt Dabney, former National Park Service Superintendent and Texas State Park Director, discusses the history and future of America’s public lands. This presentation was filmed at a guide and outfitters training in Moab, Utah. CNHA has supported the parks and public lands of southeastern Utah since 1967. Sales from our retail outlets & online store, memberships and donations support the education and research efforts of our public land partners: The National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service.
There is a lot of confusion about the chainsaw protection standards and how they vary around the world.
Type C, Class 1, chainsaw fabric layers, chainspeed, test methods ….
Understanding the global chainsaw protection standards is becoming increasingly important as arborists explore work opportunities in different countries and as arborist retailers start shipping outside their home country.
We thought that it was time to put a comprehensive guide to chainsaw protection standards together. Grab your popcorn and read on.
The Two Main Global Chainsaw Protection Standards
Broadly speaking, all of the current global standards for chainsaw protective legwear can be classified under two headings: European and North American.
- European: currently this is ISO 11393, published in 2018, which replaced EN381
- North American: The USA standard,ASTM F1897, is the main document for North America so will be referred to in this paper.
The standards under either of these headings specify the general requirements for design and construction, the protective coverage areas, the performance testing needed, the certification process and the labelling and marking information required.
The Australian/New Zealand standard, AS/NZS 4453 and the Japanese standard JIS T 8125: 2022 are virtually direct copies of ISO 11393, so for the purposes of this paper these will be grouped under the European heading.
The Canadian standard, ASTM F3325, is very similar to ASTM F1897 so comes under the North American heading READ MORE
Your chainsaw safety gear is important. Really important. Continuing cases of chainsaw injuries show that there is a real need to educate chainsaw operators on the correct selection and use of chainsaw safety gear.
This guide examines the different styles and options of chainsaw PPE available to the user and how to choose the best chainsaw protection for your unique situation.
There are two main types of chainsaw safety apparel, chainsaw trousers or chainsaw chaps. Both have the special fabric permanently sewn into the garment. Within each of these styles of garment there are variations designed to meet the differing needs encountered by those who use a chainsaw.
When deciding which style and which product is best suited for your needs there are a number of factors to consider:
1. How often you use the chainsaw
2. The type of work you are doing
3. The environment you are working in
4. The quality/durability you desire
5. The standards and/or regulations governing the work you are doing
6. You/your company’s budget and safety culture
Factor 1: How often you use the chainsaw
If you are using a chainsaw frequently as part of your normal daily work, you should consider wearing chainsaw pants rather than chaps. In general, pants will be lighter overall than chaps worn over a pair of standard jeans. Chainsaw trousers will be more comfortable and there are no straps that can get snagged on branches or machinery.
Think about the time taken to put chaps on and off during a day, whereas with trousers you always have your chainsaw protection with you.
From a company’s perspective, if the staff are all wearing chainsaw trousers, you will have peace of mind knowing that good safety practices are being followed. With chaps, it is all too easy to avoid the hassle of putting them on just to perform a small cutting job.
Modern chainsaw trousers are made using technical fabrics and complex designs for a better fit and higher level of comfort. READ MORE
Good day everyone,
We are looking forward to hosting a crosscut workshop on the Carson City Ranger District of the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest.
The dates will be April 6th-9th. Location will be Markleeville Guard Station (55 Turtle Rock Rd, Markleeville, CA 96120). We will meet at 0900 on Monday the 6th and go a Risk Assessment/Safety Protocol followed by a discussion about dealing with hazard trees and mitigations. The first day will comprise of review and discussion to help reduce the number of incidents and lessons learned from folks in the field. Then we will start the recertification process for lapsed C-Evaluators first.
We will then split into appropriately sized groups based on the ratio of evaluators/participants.
The purpose of this training will be to increase the capacity of qualified sawyers and evaluators within our region and extending into our partner groups so that we can support our local staff needs.
Everyone in attendance should have previous crosscut experience and gone through the Developing Thinking Sawyers curriculum. If you need a review please reach out to me for materials.
Please fill out attached nomination form and respond by March 6th if you can attend or have folks that you would like to attend. Our capacity will be limited to 20 participants.
Additionally, we are still looking for qualified C Level Evaluators. If you have availability please reach out.
Accommodations:
There may be dispersed camping in the area surrounding the guard station, Carson City is about a 45 min drive to the cut site. There are other small towns such as Alpine Village and Fredericksburg, CA plus Gardnerville, NV that also offer lodging so please plan accordingly.
Dispersed Camping option: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SbaUqkAUGwGBZh5b8
Developed Campsite option: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdor2EZJJ4KB9cHA8
Contact Tyler Dayberry or myself if you have any questions about the area or the training.
I will follow up with an itinerary and gear list to individuals once selections are made.
Thank you.
Nomination Region 4 Crosscut Workshop
Public Facing Website : Developing Thinking Sawyers Curricula | Powered by Box
To present this material you must hold a current USFS “C” level sawyer card and have an endorsement letter from the regional saw coordinator.
Tinker Bugs Prescribed Fire Tree Fatality SAI and Annual Incident Review Summary for 2025
Good afternoon all. Attached is the Annual Incident Review Summary for 2025 that the Lessons Learned Center just recently released. Within the summary for 2025, it includes 26 Hit by Tree incidents, 12 of which were during tree felling operations. Also highlighted are 11 chainsaw cut incidents, six that occurred because of kickback. The lessons and numbers affiliated with these events fill the pages with opportunities to learn. Please, take an opportunity to review these incidents and the links provided in the summary.
Also attached is the Tinker Bugs Prescribed Fire Hit by Tree Fatality Serious Accident Investigation where an Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) firefighter, Isabella Oscarson, was struck by a fire weakened tree causing fatal injuries while conducting prescribed fire operations on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. “This report is dedicated to her memory, her service, and the spirit of leadership and kindness she embodied. — Through Learning we honor the fallen.”
There are a number of incident reviews, including saw and tree related, on the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center database that are very easily filtered. If you aren’t familiar with the website, here is the link: https://lessons.fs2c.usda.gov/ Thanks and please let me know if you have any questions.
Tinker Bugs Prescribed Fire Hit by Tree Fatality Serious Accident Investigation
Something wicked nearly returned to the Colorado Front Range as 2025 drew to a close. Records were being set throughout December, with temperatures reaching well into the 70s.
And then the winds came.
“We have wind potential that could gust up to 100mph for some folks today,” CBS News Colorado’s Alex Lehnert told her viewers on Dec. 19.
For the first time in Colorado history, the National Weather Service declared a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for Boulder County and other nearby communities. Standard red flag wildfire warnings were issued for a long swath that stretched north into Wyoming.
The extreme weather posed “a significant threat to life and property in the event of a wildfire start,” the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department warned residents. “New or existing fire ignitions will have a high risk for very rapid fire spread.” READ FULL STORY: MWNB – Fast Moving Grassfires
WATCH VIDEO
This documentary pays homage to Wyoming’s pioneering mountain guides and their crucial contributions to the advancement of safe and empowering climbing practices. By weaving together the stories of legendary figures like Glenn Exum and Paul Petzoldt with contemporary narratives, the film will serve as an enduring source of heritage, wisdom, and inspiration for the broad and interconnected community deeply invested in mountaineering and outdoor pursuits.
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you’re seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: / wyomingpbs
Hi Heather, Dan and Rob,
Thank you for sharing your wilderness/trail resources! My family and I are headed out to Joshua Tree next week for our annual camping trip and we’re super excited! I’m putting together our packing checklist and meal plan now. Your backpacking/campfire recipes were fantastic – I’m glad we came across the Squaw Butte Back Country Horsemen’s Training & Documentation page. We found this on Dutch Oven cooking and wanted to share.
USFS Developing Thinking Sawyer Chain Saw Academic Training Opportunities
1st Class
Where: Carl’s Cycles, 5550 W State Street, Boise, ID
When: Wednesday Feb 4th/Feb 11th 6-9 pm
(Broken into two 2 – 3 hour sessions)
2nd Class (Preregistration Required for access to NG Base)
Where: Gowen Field, Regional Maintenance Training Site, 4355 W. Harvard St. Bldg. 806 Boise, ID 83705
When: Saturday March 7th 830am to 4pm
3rd Class
Where: Classroom with be held in Sweet, ID from 08:30 to 16:00 on Saturday May 3, 2026
What is a Sawyer?
In March of 2023 the USFS released “Developing Thinking Sawyer” a module-based chain saw training course developed with seasonal fire crews and volunteers in mind. This two-day course consists of 6-8 hours classroom and demonstration, followed by a day in the field working on various sawyer problems and certification evaluation. DTS covers both Chainsaw and Crosscut and is recognized by all three federal land agencies.
USFS certifications for non-fire employees and volunteers are:
Apprentice “A” bucker , “A” bucker/faller
Requires a B or C sawyer to be supervising
Journeyman “B” bucker , “B” bucker/faller
Master “C” bucker , “C” bucker/faller
Sawyers can hold multiple levels of certification on one card. Example: Chainsaw: C-bucker, B-faller; Crosscut: B-bucker/faller.
Chainsaw Sawyers must be 18 at the time of their field day and have a valid First Aid Card.
“B” sawyers require the full DTS training with an extra day if falling certification is required.
“C” sawyers require multiple years of experience and completion of DTS and an additional advanced workshop.
Sawyer Certification cards are valid for 3 years before recertification is required. Recertification can be compressed with a ½ day classroom refresher and a ½ day in the field.
First Aid/CPR cards generally are valid for 2 years.
Why is sawyer training important?
The federal public lands agencies require all people doing trail work on public lands to be under a volunteer agreement or some sort of contract. Those under volunteer agreements must posses the same training certifications as agencies summer employees, first aid/CPR and if running a saw, a sawyer certification. “Volunteers will be covered by USFS workman’s compensation and liability insurance, while working on projects approved by the land agency.”
With the crazy weather across Idaho in Dec of 2025, we are already seeing an incredible amount of trees blown down due to the high precipitation and warm weather when the crazy wind storms came through. The 2026 riding season will be impacted by the amount of trees that have fallen. Its going to be vital for safe and effective clearing of trees with chainsaws.
Cost.
DTS Workshop are free to any volunteer who is a member of a group with a Volunteer Agreement.
What to bring?
Bring an open mind to safe and effective chainsaw training. All PPE and saws will be provided at the field days.
First Aid Training (Required prior to field day)
Best: Wilderness First Aid Boise, ID WFA | Idaho Rescue Training
Minimum: Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Online
How to Sign up?
Please RSVP with Rob Adams (moosely.adams@gmail.com) and Dan Waugh (dan.p.waugh@gmail.com).
Field Day.
Field Days will be held north of the Pine Flats Campground on the Banks-Lowman Road west of Lowman, ID
Sign-up and Safety Meeting will be completed before 10:00, Field Day 10:00 to 15:00
In the past this area has been snow free by early April
Dates: Sunday April 19, Sunday April 26, Sunday May 3 & Saturday May 9
There are fewer than 300 wolverines left in the Lower 48, but soon a new effort will seek to restore the endangered animal’s population. Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) just announced its plan for the first-ever wolverine reintroduction program.
History of wolverines: Wolverines were once widespread in the Lower 48, in states like California, Minnesota, Oregon, and Colorado, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.
Since the early 1900s, the population has sharply declined, mostly due to trapping and habitat loss. In 2023, they were added to the Endangered Species List.
Why reintroduce? Beyond helping revive an endangered species, reintroducing the wolverine has other benefits. The animal is naturally an opportunistic scavenger-predator. In addition to hunting small mammals like squirrels and rabbits, they’ll eat leftovers from carcasses of sheep, caribou, and moose that other, larger predators have left behind.
As the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife explains, “Wolverines play an important role as nature’s cleanup crew. By scavenging dead animals, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem and reduce disease spread by eating carcasses.”
What’s the plan? According to CPW, over 94% of the planned reintroduction habitat is on federal land. The areas include parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Elk and West Elk Mountains, and the San Juan Range.
The department will release 15 wolverines per year for 3 years beginning in 2027. Depending on how the species fares, there may be more reintroductions. Since wolverines have very large home ranges, the state can support around 100.
2025 Session Recordings
Click here to view the recorded sessions from 2021-2025, including a brief description, list of presenters, and available recordings.
How do I hang a pack saw on my saddle?
One sure way to secure a saw to your riding saddle is to tie the pack saw handle with the rear saddle strings and then secure the blade under your leg. However, the pack saw scabbard has a versatile design that would allow you many options. Whichever way you choose, remember to offset the added weight of your saw by loading your horse saddlebags or horn bags heavier on the opposing side.
Why do I need to carry a pack saw or a camp axe with me on the trail?
The obvious answer here is for windfall blocking the trail. It is not always possible to go around a windfall, nor would you necessarily want to get into that habit; the new trail you would create only adds to the erosion of a potentially fragile area. It is better instead to simply clear the trail. Read the article “Pack Saws and Camp Axes” for a full explanation of why it is so important to carry a pack saw when you are out on the trail.
READ FULL STORY: Horseback Ride Fall – 2025
READ FULL STORY: Hiker Rescued From Quicksand
Outdoor communication keeps getting smarter, smaller, and, like all thing, more expensive. Garmin’s new inReach Mini 3 Plus ($499) adds a touchscreen, voice messaging, and photo sharing to a device that once prided itself on being almost stubbornly simple.
The new version jumps from a tiny grayscale screen and a handful of buttons to something closer to a stripped-down phone. It sends voice messages, supports photo viewing, allows photo sharing when paired with the Messenger app, and uses a touchscreen for faster navigation. It’s a sharp turn for a device best known for blunt practicality.
The core inReach pieces are still here. Two-way messaging, SOS support, and LiveTrack all remain, now delivered through a color screen with built-in audio tools. Battery life stretches up to 330 hours in 10-minute tracking mode, which should get most people through long trips without rationing power. READ FULL STORY
The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel of clinicians and researchers to appraise and update the WMS clinical practice guidelines for out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia. The panel readdressed previously posed questions and considered additional questions not previously considered. All articles were considered, but those published between 2013 and 2019 were the focus of the review. The 2019 guidelines are the product of this effort. The guidelines focus on pre-hospital treatment, although hospital capabilities are discussed and considered for transport and triage recommendations.
Accidental hypothermia is the unintentional drop in core temperature to 35°C (95°F) or lower, and is a result of net heat loss from the body. For the purposes of out-of-hospital assessment, classification of hypothermia is based upon the clinical presentation of the patient. Core temperature is addressed, but this is frequently impossible to reliably, or safely, obtain in the field. The key considerations for classification and treatment are level of consciousness, alertness, intensity of shivering, physical capacity, and cardiovascular stability. The “Cold Card,” presented in the guidelines, provides a succinct summary and is easy to carry into the field.
The cold stressed patient [core temperature >35°C (95°F)], is not hypothermic. They have a normal mental status, coordination, are alert, and will be shivering to produce heat. The mildly hypothermic patient [core temperature 35-32°C (95-89.6°F)] will demonstrate impaired movement, often manifesting as poor coordination. They may be mildly tachycardic, but blood pressure will be normal. Moderate hypothermia [core temperature 32-28°C (89.6°-82.4°F)] is remarkable for worsening coordination, changing mental status, and decreased alertness. Shivering may still be present in patients with moderate hypothermia. Careful handling is imperative for these patients. Patients with severe/profound hypothermia [core temperature <28C° (82.4°F)] demonstrate a marked decrease in their level of consciousness, to the point of coma, will no longer be shivering, and demonstrate cardiac instability. These patients must be handled very carefully to prevent ventricular arrhythmias. If no pulse is present after a one-minute check, compressions should be started.
Treatment is progressive, depending on the state of hypothermia. Field rewarming begins with the prevention of further heat loss by protecting the patient from the environment – including the safe removal of wet clothing, and initiation of rewarming. Rescuers must be aware of the possibility of afterdrop and circumrescue collapse, both of which can be triggered by moving a patient from the horizontal position. After protection from the environment, methods of active field rewarming employ a combination of an insulative layer, a vapor barrier to prevent evaporative heat loss, and an external heat source. Examples of the heat source include chemical heat packs, forced air, and hot water bottles. Heat should be applied to the axilla and chest and care taken to monitor for burns. It is not recommended that small chemical heat packs (hand warmers) be used for core rewarming as they do not provide sufficient heat to affect core temperature. Immersion in warm water or a warm shower is not recommended for patients with hypothermia as it may lead to shock due to peripheral vasodilation.
Resuscitation of hypothermic patients differs from normothermic patients in that compressions are NOT started if there is any palpable pulse – regardless of rate. Rescuers should palpate for a pulse for at least one minute and only start compressions if no pulse is present. If a monitor is available, the rhythm should be assessed. A nonperfusing rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, is an indication to begin compressions. Organized electrical activity without a pulse (PEA) should be assessed with ETCO2 (end-tidal carbon dioxide) monitoring. If ETCO2 indicates there is perfusion, do no initiate compressions. Resuscitation is not initiated in patients with fixed, dilated pupils, obvious fatal injuries, and rigor mortis. Lividity is an unpredictable indicator in hypothermic patients so is not to be used as a sign of death.
Accidental hypothermia in the wilderness environment rarely occurs with readily available transport. In those needing active resuscitation, transporting is a challenge, however, and may be unsafe for rescuers. Compressions may be interrupted for up to 5 minutes while moving the patient. Compressions should resume for at least 5 minutes before the next interruption.
Once advanced field interventions are available, IV access should be attempted, and warm fluid resuscitation initiated. An AED or defibrillator may be employed for a shockable rhythm. If the body temperature is below 30°C (85°F), only one attempt should be made. Further attempts are indicated once the temperature is greater than 30°C. Medications for resuscitation should not be administered until the core temperature is above 30°C, and then intervals for administration should be doubled. If airway protection is indicated, it should be initiated when available. Ventilation rate should be guided by ETCO2, and if not available, care must be taken to not hyperventilate the patient.
Patients with moderate and severe hypothermia are to be transported to a hospital capable of caring for them. Patients with cold stress and mild symptoms need not be transported if they have been successfully treated in the field. Patients with hemodynamic instability, and especially those requiring compressions, should be transported to a facility capable of extracorporeal cardiac life support (ECLS), preferably extracorporeal membrane oxygenation although cardiopulmonary bypass is an option. Rescuers should use good judgement and not bypass a facility if transport times are lengthy. The transport vehicle should be heated to 28°C (82.4°F), however, may be quite uncomfortable for attendants and pilots.
The ultimate outcome for the hypothermic patient is dependent on prompt recognition and classification of symptoms, protection from further heat loss, initiation of active rewarming, gentle handling during rescue, and appropriate resuscitation. In cases of severe and hemodynamically unstable hypothermia, transport to an ECLS capable facility will further improve the patient’s chances for survival.
Introduction
Prior to 2001, tourniquets (TQ) were inferiorly made, lacked evidence and effective training, and their use was discouraged. However, with effective modern TQ science, development, and TQ inclusion into the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines, TQs became universally accepted by 2006 in the military as the primary option for extremity arterial bleeding. Eventually TQ use transitioned with success to civilian Emergency Medical Service/Fire Department personnel, Law Enforcement personnel, and first responders. Yet, there still is a need to overcome TQ myths (Table 1). Additionally, history reveals from WWII to present that mistakes will occur when applying a TQ (Table 2). For instance, many TQs have been applied to injured extremities without life-threatening bleeding in both military and civilian casualties. Many of these applied TQs were inappropriate since many were placed without visualizing the wound when not in a direct threat environment. In addition, when TQs are applied for over 2 hours, there will be progressive damage that may result in muscle necrosis, need for fasciotomy, renal failure, amputation, and death. This suggests a greater need for TQ education and training.
PDF: Tourniquet Lessons Learned from Ukraine and Israel
As an outcome from recent TQ lessons learned in the Ukraine and Israel wars, an article by Colonel John Holcomb, MD and colleagues was recently published in the Journal of Trauma, December 2023. They describe a renewed attention and education about how to avoid prolonged TQ application as recommended in the TCCC guidelines (See Massive Hemorrhage and Circulation sections – Table 3). It is our intent to provide the wilderness medical provider information about: 1) TQ replacement and TQ conversion (ideally performed no later than 2 hours after being applied); and 2) ensure the reader has up-to-date CoTCCC resources with the current TQ replacement/TQ conversion education and training.
Preview of “Doing Good in the Great Outdoors”
Preview: Season 43 Episode 1 | 30s
We meet trail crews, naturalists, hunters, parks volunteers and even some budding high school biologists who give of their time and their talents to make the Idaho outdoors a better place, and model America’s spirit of volunteerism and citizenship in doing so.
Idaho State Department of Agriculture urges pause on horse events after out-of-state EHV-1 outbreak
Idaho State Department of Agriculture officials are urging horse owners and event organizers to hit pause on upcoming equine events and avoid transporting horses for now, after multiple cases of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) were confirmed in horses that attended recent competitions in Texas and Oklahoma.
There are no confirmed EHV-1 cases in Idaho at this time, according to the ISDA. But because the virus can spread easily and can be deadly, the Idaho State Veterinarian is strongly recommending a temporary halt to hauling horses.
EHV-1 affects horses’ respiratory and neurological systems. It spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact, shared airspace, contaminated clothing, and other surfaces. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, or neurological symptoms such as stumbling, incoordination, loss of tail tone, and hind-limb weakness.
EHV-1 cases have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Idaho horse owners who attended or were near those competitions are asked to contact the Idaho State Veterinarian. Exposed horses should quarantine for 21 days and be monitored for symptoms. This virus is not transmissible to humans.
Nearly two-thirds of Idaho land is public, which means that outdoor recreation is not just a huge economic driver, but, for a majority of Idahoans, it’s a way of life. Our public lands are managed by entities including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Fish and Game, and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. And behind the scenes, there are even more organizations working to keep these large acreages of land accessible to all of us. Here are just a few:
The Idaho Trails Association (ITA) was founded in 2010 and predominantly works on backcountry trails throughout Idaho. However, they’ve also recently expanded into the “front-country” of the Boise foothills and trails adjacent to cities including Pocatello, Sandpoint, and Coeur d’Alene.
In 2025, the ITA had over 800 volunteers with 15,000 hours of volunteer time on over 350 miles of trails. Volunteers don’t need to have prior experience — they receive training before starting projects. Projects range from easy to arduous and range in length from one day to over a week. Traditional tools including crosscut saws, axes, and Pulaskis are used for trail maintenance.
ITA partners with other trail groups to build capacity and work together to get more continuous miles of trail done, Executive Director Melanie Vining said. These include the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, Great Burn Conservation Alliance, Ridge to Rivers, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation (SBFC).
The SBFC was founded in 2006 by concerned citizens with help from the USFS to add capacity for on the ground stewardship in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. They added the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness to their work around 2012. Both wildernesses are managed by the USFS.
“Having a partner stewardship organization is critical for public lands management agencies, particularly when working in remote/large landscapes like the Selway and the Frank,” said Executive Director Ryan Ghelfi. With recent federal funding cuts, work from these partner organizations has become even more crucial. SBFC has continued to raise private funds to help augment the USFS capacity to get trail work and other stewardship projects done. They were even able to hire River Rangers and Checkers for the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers.
The SBFC has engaged with approximately 200 volunteers this year, both adults and kids, who focused on trail maintenance which included removing downed logs, cutting back brush on trails, and rebuilding tread that had been washed away from time or extreme storms.
The Sawtooth Society was founded in 1997 by a group of landowners, politicians, and recreationalists to assist in preserving the scenic and historical values of the 756,000 acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).
They work with, but independent from, the USFS to assist in maintaining the 900 miles of trails, provide funding for improvement projects, and serve as a liaison for local, regional, and national collaboratives.
In a typical year, they facilitate around 700 hours of volunteer work alongside their paid staff. Volunteers complete a variety of tasks — from stuffing envelopes to bucking trees in the backcountry. With federal funding cuts, the SNRA had its staff dramatically reduced from 34 full-time, non-fire staff to just nine.
The Sawtooth Society was perfectly positioned to help in this situation with its own trail crew infrastructure. They additionally raised $80,000 from supporters to double their trail crew capacity and provide visitor services at the SNRA Headquarters.
“We were able to hire the crew the USFS would have hired, maintaining collective decades of SNRA trail knowledge that would have been lost otherwise. Most importantly, this ensured that trails that are used the most would be open and accessible for the many types of recreation that takes place in the SNRA,” Director of Operations Michael Hoover said.
The Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA) is based in the McCall area. With only two paid employees, the rest of the work is done by volunteers. CIMBA has helped to maintain mountain bike trails at places such as Ponderosa State Park, Brundage Mountain Resort, USFS land, and Jug Mountain Ranch. In the past, they have also partnered with the Central Idaho Trail Riders Alliance on projects. If you like to recreate — whether it’s motorcycles, mountain biking, hiking, or trail running, Trail Coordinator Jared Alexander stressed the importance of getting involved with your local volunteer groups.
Alexander also praised all of the people, or “trail fairies,” that aren’t even out with an organization who help clear trails on their own free time. All of us can be stewards of our public lands.
The BCHC saw program was the framework that the BCHI saw program was built. They were a great help in getting our program started.
Idaho’s Large Tracts Program
For many Idaho hunters, some of the best days in the field happen on private timber ground – chasing elk through foggy draws or hiking into a quiet clear-cut for deer at first light. Part of what makes that possible is the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Large Tracts Program.
This program is a partnership between Fish and Game and private timber companies that keeps large sections of private forestland open for public use. These are working timberlands – owned and managed for logging – but thanks to these agreements, hunters, anglers, and other recreationists can still enjoy access without needing special permission or paying a trespass fee. In return for allowing access, IDFG compensates enrolled landowners (at a much lower rate than they could get by leasing it exclusively to individuals) and conservation officers are able to enforce regulations and restrictions such as game laws and motor vehicle violations.
Most of these enrolled lands are found in north and north-central Idaho, home to some great whitetail, elk, bear, and turkey habitat. The rules are pretty straightforward, but every year, a few bad choices – driving around a gate, cutting firewood without permission, ignoring closures – risk leaving a negative impression of hunters on the landscape. These lands are private, and access is never guaranteed – especially if abuse or damage becomes a significant enough problem.
Following these rules is more important than ever in times of change. Since May of 2019, PotlatchDeltic – the largest landowner enrolled in the Large Tracts Program – has allowed public access to 567,002 acres of their land. But just recently a merger has been announced between Potlatch and the Florida based company Rayonier to become the second-largest publicly traded wood commodities company in North America.
While there are many questions that are waiting to be answered, including the new name of the merged companies, one thing is for certain – we want the Large Tracts Programs looked at in a positive light to ensure these properties are able to be accessed by all, not leased to individuals or through paid permit system like much of the private timber ground in western Oregon and Washington.
Programs like this only work when we hold up our end of the deal. Respecting restrictions, packing out what we pack in, and reporting violations when we see them are small actions that make a big difference. They show landowners that Idaho hunters value the opportunity they provide.
The Large Tracts Program is proof that access and private property rights can coexist – when there’s trust and cooperation. So this season, as you head into your favorite patch of timber, remember: these lands aren’t ours, but the privilege to use them is. Let’s do our part to keep them open for Idaho hunters.
Heads up, deer hunters – EHD is affecting parts of the Clearwater. region Get the latest details and heat map from Idaho Fish and Game. LINK TO MORE INFORMATION
Rifle Scabbards
I personally hang my rifle scabbard on the off-side of the horse. I attach it with the rifle butt toward the front at about horn height, and angle the rifle barrel slightly toward the back.
Here’s why:
The barrel of the rifle extends under my stirrup leather and I never know it’s there. This keeps the weight on the front quarters of the horse where he can carry it best. On the off chance I should spot game while in the saddle, I can pull my rifle out before I dismount. Hanging the shotgun scabbard or rifle scabbard on the off-side can help offset your weight when mounting.
One additional note, if you use an open ended leather or nylon rifle scabbard and hang it with the butt toward the rear, your rifle could end up missing. I have heard many stories where folks have found their rifle way back on the trail because they never knew it had been snagged on a branch and yanked out of the gun scabbard.
Pack Saws and Camp Axes
When I attach my pack saw and its scabbard or my camp axe in its sheath. I prefer to attach my saw scabbard with the saw handle tied to the front strings and the blade coming just under my leg. I usually pack my camp axe on my pack mule to the outside of a mantied load, but you can certainly attach it to your saddle if you prefer an axe. An axe sheath is designed with rings to tie your saddle strings to. This hangs the axe at an angle where it is easy to secure the handle out of your way.
Bow Scabbards
When hanging a Bow Scabbard, I secure it to the rear of the saddle behind the cantle and angle it slightly forward so that my bow is facing toward the rear with the quiver to the outside. I prefer this attachment method because with the bow scabbard pointed toward the rear, my horse is free to turn tightly to the right without being hindered by the bow. And once again, the weight of the bow and bow scabbard are on the opposite side from me when I mount the horse, helping to offset my weight as I mount.
Pack Saws & Axes
How do I hang a pack saw on my saddle?
One sure way to secure a saw to your riding saddle is to tie the pack saw handle with the rear saddle strings and then secure the blade under your leg. However, the pack saw scabbard has a versatile design that would allow you many options. Whichever way you choose, remember to offset the added weight of your saw by loading your horse saddlebags or horn bags heavier on the opposing side.
Why do I need to carry a pack saw or a camp axe with me on the trail?
The obvious answer here is for windfall blocking the trail. It is not always possible to go around a windfall, nor would you necessarily want to get into that habit; the new trail you would create only adds to the erosion of a potentially fragile area. It is better instead to simply clear the trail. Read the article “Pack Saws and Camp Axes” for a full explanation of why it is so important to carry a pack saw when you are out on the trail.
Dana and Karen Bailey are members of the Heartland Chapter of BCHI.
Dana has been assisting with sawyer training for the last 3 year as a sawyer coach.
Please welcome Giovanni Lopez from the Dixie National Forest as our new USFS R4 Crosscut Coordinator. Gio has a strong wilderness background working with both the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) and the US Forest Service. His previous work history with the MCC had him stationed on the Flathead National Forest working within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. After MCC, Gio has worked in a variety of locations with the USFS such as the Swan Lake Ranger District on the Flathead NF, the Lolo NF, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie in R-6, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF, and now in his current position on the Dixie National Forest in southern Utah.
Gio has a passion for wilderness skills and developing the skillsets of others as a crosscut instructor and C-Sawyer Evaluator. He is excited for the opportunity to continue building the Regional Crosscut program and working with our Forest Service sawyers and partners in the use of primitive skills/tools.
Gio will be replacing Patrick Brown from the Payette National Forest. Huge “Thank You” to Patrick as he was in this role for approximately 15 years. Patrick will still stay involved in the saw program when he is able, and we sure appreciate his dedication and passion building this program.
If you want to reach out to Giovanni, his email is Giovanni.lopez@usda.gov. Thank you Gio for taking on this collateral role within the R4 Saw Program!
