Local Leadership. Regional Impact. In Partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. We train, certify, and deploy volunteer sawyers across the Pacific Northwest — chainsaw and crosscut, A through C level.
NWSaw is dedicated to Saw Training above all else. Chainsaw and Crosscut saws. This is what we do.
We provide both official classroom-style saw certification classes and on-the-ground Trailwork, where sawyers build skills clearing trails and falling trees alongside experienced mentors.
All classes and re-certifications are conducted by B or C level sawyers qualified as evaluators and instructors. We currently field multiple C-Level Chainsaw and Crosscut Evaluators and B-level evaluators across both disciplines.
We serve volunteer groups, trail organizations, land managers, and individuals across USFS Region 6 — and we're available to travel throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Any saw operation on USFS land involving material over 5" in diameter requires certification from a USFS-recognized saw training program. This applies to both chainsaws and hand saws (crosscut saws).
This standard applies to both bucking (cutting a downed tree into sections) and felling (cutting a standing tree). The vast majority of volunteer trail work involves bucking to clear blowdown from trails.
NWSAW delivers saw training aligned with U.S. Forest Service standards, with certifications issued through federally recognized programs in partnership with TREAD.
Formal multi day USFS certification courses covering both chainsaw and crosscut. Classroom instruction combined with hands-on field evaluation. Required for initial certification and periodic recertification.
Real trail work supervised by qualified sawyers — where skills get built, reinforced, and evaluated in the field. Trailwork events are how sawyers earn hours toward certification and build practical experience.
USFS sawyer certifications are tiered by skill, complexity, and supervisory authority. NWSaw trains and evaluates at all levels, for both chainsaw and crosscut.
Sawyers in training who may cut in low-complexity situations under direct supervision of a B or C level sawyer.
Can work in moderately complex situations without higher-level supervision. Moderate hazards.
Experienced B-level sawyers qualified to teach, train, and evaluate A-level sawyers. Known as "Super Bs."
Qualified to handle the most complex situations, including large trees, steep terrain, and significant hazards. Can evaluate A and B level.
C Sawyers authorized to evaluate at all levels — A, B, and C.
A current OSHA-approved First Aid/CPR certification with in-person evaluation is required before attending a saw class. Inexpensive local classes are widely available.
All participants must be at least 18 years old to attend chainsaw training courses. For Crosscut training, participants only need to be 16 years old.
Initial certification requires an online course + exam, a classroom day and an evaluation day (add a day for felling). All days are required — classroom and field components are both essential to certification. Evaluation day can be scheduled into the future if needed.
Appropriate PPE is required for all field work. Specific requirements will be communicated when you register for a class or training/work event.
NWSaw runs on volunteer effort and the generosity of people who believe trained sawyers keep trails open, campgrounds clear and trailheads hazard free. Your support funds training events, equipment, and program development.
Never been certified? Need saw training? Start here. We'll get you into an upcoming saw class and walk you through everything you need before your first day of training.
Get StartedNeed to renew your certification or upgrade your level? Contact us and we will work with your schedule.
Get RecertifiedWe travel. If your organization or trail group needs saw training, reach out and we'll work with you to schedule a class or training/work event in your area.
Request Training