Published March 20, 2023

Last week, the Youth Ecological Forestry Training & Employment Program crew trained in safe chainsaw operation and earned the S-212 certification required to work as sawyers in forest restoration, fuels reduction, and wildland firefighting. After classroom training with Lomakatsi’s Fire Operations Manager and trainer Sean Voorhes, participants practiced their skills using chainsaws in the field under the guidance of Sean and Program Crew Leaders Antonio Lopez and Harbor Engle.

The crew conducted fuels reduction work on private property on East Antelope Road in rural Eagle Point to fine-tune their skills, reduce wildfire risk around homes, and enhance habitat for oaks and wildlife. Several Lomakatsi staff joined the training to update their sawyer certifications. This segment of the training program follows the youth crews’ completion of their “Wildland Fire Basic 32” coursework—the training required to work on active wildfire incidents.

Also last week, the crew spent some time with the Lomakatsi Communications Team getting to know each other and learning about natural resource careers related to communications, public affairs, education, and the diverse roles that support on-the-ground ecosystem restoration.

Thank you to Oregon Conservation Corps/Oregon Youth Works for funding this program! Stay tuned for updates on pack tests this week!

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