Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene hosting LEAP workshops

Over 1,500 Idaho loggers have taken the University of Idaho Extension program on forest ecology, silviculture, and water quality, titled Logger Education to Advance Professionalism or “LEAP”. LEAP Update is an annual opportunity for LEAP graduates to build on that professional development in forestry.

2017 LEAP Updates will be held at three locations: in Lewiston Idaho on Tueday, March 14, and Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint on Wednesday, March 15. This year’s topics include: costs of tethered logging; geotextiles and road stabilization; ecology and silviculture of Engelmann spruce; Trimble 4-loads and other developing logging support software; Ponsse logging equipment; variances and other forest practice act updates; mechanical site preparation for reforestation; managing forest habitats for moose; loggers and fire; loggers and forest policy; and trends in forest product markets. LEAP Update also helps loggers to fulfill Idaho Pro-Logger program annual continuing education and best management practice training requirements.

Program enrollment is limited to 125 participants per session. Those wishing to participate should pre-register as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, March 8. A $45 registration fee ($48 for online registration with a credit card at uidaho.edu/LEAPUpdate) includes resource materials and refreshments. Lunch will be provided by the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho.

For registration questions on the Lewiston session, contact the UI Extension forestry office on the Moscow campus at 208-885-6356. For registration questions on the Coeur d’Alene session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Kootenai County at 208-446-1680. For registration questions on the Sandpoint session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Bonner County 208-263-8511. Registration forms can also be downloaded at www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/calendar.

For more information on the Idaho Pro-Logger program or the logging safety/first aid sessions, contact the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho at 208-667-6473.