Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a sawyer training day in the North Fork Umatilla. Trails need sawyers. Sawyers need training and experience. Current and prospective sawyers will learn and practice together. Join the fun!

Join the Blues Crew sawyers as we sharpen our saws and skills under lead sawyer C-Certified instructor & evaluator, Larry Wachtel and other guest trainers. After a long winter off, we will exercise our muscles using crosscut saws (and axes) to ready ourselves for our spring-summer trail season. One of our core values is to work safely and effectively in teams, and training is essential to good outcomes. Our Saw Teams work to efficiently clear trails of downed timber and get the wilderness open to all users. We'll be using the Forks Campground and the North Fork Umatilla River Trailhead as our outdoor laboratory for this special field day.

A sandwich lunch will be provided. Participants should dress in warm layers and prepare for all kinds of cold/wet spring weather. Boots for muddy conditions and leather work gloves will be essential. If we anticipate a true downpour or snow on the day of this event, we will reschedule.

Sawyers are invited to bring their personal chainsaw and protective equipment (PPE) — some limited shared gear is available for use. USFS-approved chaps are required for sawyers, and hearing and eye protection are required for all sawyers and spectators during chainsaw operations. Helmets are available.

All participants must complete a current Blues Crew BMLT liability release form before beginning the activity. Expect to also sign in on a USFS 301b volunteer roster. Participants will be asked to self-certify that they are well and physically capable of this activity.

Trip Details:

• Trip schedule:

  7:45 a.m. Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street, Walla Walla. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  8:15 - 9:30 a.m. Depart to training site at Umatilla Forks

  9:30 am - 11:30 am - Crosscut Skills Refresher Training
  Lead Sawyer Certified-C I/E Larry Wachtel will direct this morning training session that will focus on crosscut saw use for wilderness applications. Larry will review saws, wedges, and under-bucking using handheld backsaws.

  11:30 am - 12:00 pm- Lunch

  12:00 pm 1:00 pm - Ax Basics: How to safely and efficiently use an Ax Experienced sawyer Henry Panter will demonstrate how to safely and effectively use an ax.

  2:45 p.m. - Closing circle - debrief. Capture the learning!
  It is a Blues Crew tradition to debrief all activities for shared learning. Please share your thoughts about the day's activities!
  
  3:1 pm - 4:30 p.m. - Carpool return to USFS Walla Walla Ranger District Office

• Meeting location:

  Walla Walla area volunteers: Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street in Walla Walla at 8:00 am. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  If you’re willing to drive, please arrive with a full gas tank. Also, please be prepared to share gas costs with your volunteer driver on the return trip (bring cash.)

• What to wear:

  ✅ Participants should dress in warm layers and prepare for all kinds of cold/wet spring weather.
  
  ✅ PPE, USFS approved chaps required for sawyers. Hearing & eye rotection
  
  ✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours

  ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  ✅ Rain gear

  ✅ Leather Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)

  ✅ Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes

  *** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools

• What to bring:

  ✅ Lightweight day pack

  ✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water for June days

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Lunch & snacks

  ✅ Medications

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ This is a moderately strenuous work party.
  
  ⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
  
  ⚠️ We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
  
  ⚠️ BMLT Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.

• Contact information:

  For more information, contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture