Logger Education Program

• What is the schedule for the 4 core classes?
• How do I register for these classes?
• What is Continuing Education?
• What other classes can I take to earn credit?
• Will other classes count for credit? Submit this form to our office for approval.
• How do I get my credits to you? Submit the list of credits you have earned over the past 2 years to our office by December 1st.
• How many credits do I have?

Workshops

Logger Education Opportunities

 Business Class (Core Class and Continuing Education Class)

The Business Core Class has been scheduled! This is the one core class you can take as a continuing education class. If you have already had it that's okay! Please come and take it again, this material constantly changes and it would benefit you to participate. If you can't make it to Raymond, stay posted. We will be scheduling this class several times before the end of the year in different parts of the state. If you don't know how many credits you need to complete your current or next certification please give us a call.  

• When: August 6th, 2009 Registration at 7:30. Class at 8am-5pm.
• Where: Raymond, MS at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. 1320 Seven Springs Rd.
• Cost: $75 before July 30th and $90 after July 30th.
• Lunch will be included so please pre-register with Emily at 662.325.6852.
• Credits: 8 Category I Credits.

Intro to SFI, Saftey, and Best Management Practices (BMP) (Core Classes)

Did you miss the last Core Class date or are you new to the MS Certified Logger Program? In order to become SFI certified you must complete all four core classes. Three of these classes are now offered on the same day via interactive video at your local county extension office. Remember these are not continuing education classes! If you have taken these three core classes within the past 6 or 7 years then you do not need to take them again. On the other hand, if you are behind in the program and have not taken them in over 6 or 7 years, you will want to start the program over by taking these. Just remember you still need to take the Business Core Class before you are completely certifired.

• When: August 28th. 8:00am-5:00pm.
• Where: Your local County Extension Office or if near Starkville, join us at the Franklin Center on the MSU campus.
• Cost: $75 before August 21st and $90 after August 21st. (fees are non-refundable)
• Lunch will be included so please pre-register with Emily at 662.325.6852.
• Credits: If you are wondering how many credits these courses are worth, you might not need to take them. Remember they are not continuing education classes. You are beginning the SFI certification with these classes.

 

Other Continuing Education Opportunities

 No other opportunities offered at this time. Please stay posted. If you need credits sooner than later, consider taking a combined CPR/First Aid class at your local Red Cross. Questions? Please call us!

Workshop Modules

An Introduction to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative
The first workshop module (An Introduction to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative) provides an overview of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. This includes information about the origin of SFI, as well as information about communicating and working with the public, an overview of biodiversity, endangered species and forest ecosystems, and forest regeneration. The program uses videos, slide presentations, and extensive discussions to facilitate the interest of the participants. Each participant receives a copy of a landowner folder developed for the SFI State Implementation Committee, which includes information about SFI, regeneration alternatives, and other information for landowners.

Best Management Practices
The second workshop module is the "Best Management Practices" workshop. This workshop includes information about the history of the Clean Water Act and BMPs, road construction and water diversion structures, pre-harvest planning, streamside management and stream crossings, mapping, and harvesting aesthetics. Attendees also participate in harvest planning exercise. This workshop uses a combination of videos, slides, discussions, and group exercises to facilitate learning. The Forest Resources Association has released a video-based BMP program for professional loggers developed by the MLEC BMP Curriculum Committee. An extensive handbook was developed for the participants, which includes additional information about BMPs and water quality issues.

Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety
The third module in the program is "Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety" workshop. The safety program begins with a "hazard recognition exercise". Large scale photographs are placed around the room and the participants working groups of four to identify hazards in the photos. The next segment is devoted to body mechanics and ergonomics. The OSHA logging standard is presented as well as information about transportation safety. As with other workshop modules, videos, slides, and discussions are the primary techniques used to convey information. Contractors also receive a notebook containing additional safety and ergonomic information.

Business Management
The fourth module, Business Management, is designed for the logging business owner and key business management staff. This module includes information about forms of business organization, multiple businesses, recordkeeping, the Fair Labor Standards Act, insurance, independent contractor status, depreciation, and introduces systems cost analysis. This program differs in format from the first three modules in that it is designed to be presented in two four hour segments offered on consecutive nights