WAC Logging Training Program Highlighted

WALTON - Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) Executive Director Ryan Naatz introduced a new structure to Council of Directors meetings which includes highlighting one program each month. This will allow directors to receive a more in-depth understanding of what WAC staff achieve rather than several brief overviews, he explained.

This month directors heard from WAC Forestry Program Manager Tom Pavlesich regarding the logging training program. The forestry program has five core areas and logging training is one of three programs under the education and training section. The program seeks to train timber harvesters working in the Catskills and Lower Hudson regions. Training and education focus on water quality protection, forest stewardship, economic viability, safety, and productivity. The program has an annual budget of roughly $60,000 not including staff salary and benefits.

Pavlesich emphasized the importance of training on logger safety. He said since the Game of Logging - a chainsaw safety and productivity training program - was introduced in 1994 there has been a dramatic decrease in reported injuries. WAC staff work with certified trainer and logger Bill Lindloff to offer the course twice a year. Lindloff is the only certified Game of Logging educator in New York.

Other training programs are conducted by WAC staff. The team hosts four workshops annually in first aid and CPR, forest ecology, silviculture, and continuing education. Continuing education courses include hazard tree removal, logger rescue, truck safety, stream crossing techniques, Best Management Practice installation, chainsaw maintenance, and more. One workshop focuses on invasive species and the importance of stopping the spread, said Pavlesich. Loggers are very good at identifying or discovering invasive species in the area and alerting WAC or other officials, he explained.

In addition to offering educational opportunities, WAC seeks to provide financial incentives for loggers, said Pavlesich. Each workshop has a small registration fee of $20. The Game of Logging can cost roughly $250 outside of WAC. Pavlesich said the staff realizes it is a high cost for foresters to take a day from production for training. "Which could be thousands of dollars a day," he said. WAC will put loggers into the NYS system as having certifications after finishing training programs, said Pavlesich, which saves them the time of filling out paperwork.

The final portion of the logging training program includes outreach and communication. Pavlesich said some loggers don't live in the area and it is typical for them to spend two years in the region and then leave for two years. He said it is important to stay in contact with them and ensure they are aware of WAC programs. The team achieves this by attending annual events and sending emails and postcards.

In 2023, Pavlesich reported 55 participants in the six workshops and 47 in continuing education courses. 

The next program presentation will highlight the finance department. 

The New York State Department of Health Representative announced that adjustments to US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water regulations could cause issues for local water treatment facilities. Regulations are expected to take effect in 2029. The changes could require adjustment to the water treatment process leading to extra costs for the customer, he reported.

WAC directors entered into an executive session to discuss contract negotiations.

The next regularly scheduled directors' meeting is Tuesday, May 28 at 10 a.m.