LEAP Update classes being offered soon

Since they have been offered, more than 1,800 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.

2020 LEAP Updates will be held at three Idaho locations: Lewiston on March 10, St. Maries on March 11, and Sandpoint on March 12.

This year’s topics include: mastication to treat forest vegetation; loggers and internet use; subalpine fir; conifer defoliating insects; drone use in logging; current management and research on the University of Idaho Experimental Forest; logging machinery updates; noxious weeds and other forest invaders; and a forest product markets update.

Program enrollment is limited for each session. Those wishing to participate should pre-register as soon as possible, but no later than March 3, 2020. A $45 registration fee ($48 for online registration with a credit card) 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 St. Maries session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Benewah County at 208-245-2422.

For registration questions on the Sandpoint session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Bonner County at 208-263-8511.

The LEAP Update course also helps loggers to fulfill Idaho Pro-Logger program annual continuing education and best management practice training requirements.

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