Master Logger Training Curriculum
The Tennessee Master Logger Program is designed to assist logging business owners and employees in their professional and education requirements focusing on water quality, safety, business management and sustainable forest management. The course is comprised of five one-day sessions, usually conducted one day every two weeks for a 10-week period. To successfully complete the course and be recognized as a Tennessee Master Logger, participants must attend and participate in all five days. The Tennessee Master Logger designation is for two years and can be renewed every two years by attending a one-day continuing education session. A description of the initial 5-day course and continuing education sessions follows.
Initial 5-day Training Session
Session #1 - First Aid
Certified instructors trained by the American Red Cross conduct CPR and First Aid training to meet state and federal OSHA standards. Loggers with current CPR and First Aid certification are not required to attend this session, but must present proof of certification to be exempt. Loggers are expected to maintain their CPR and First Aid certification into the future. The Tennessee Master Logger program does not provide continuing education beyond this initial session to maintain the First Aid and CPR certification.
Session #2 - Logger Safety
Timber harvesting and safety specialists provide both indoor and outdoor instruction in chainsaw safety, equipment inspections, personal protective equipment (PPE), and directional felling techniques. OSHA logging standards are presented. Truck safety and laws regulating truck use and weight are discussed.
Session #3 - Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Proper harvesting techniques using BMPs are discussed and demonstrated. This session provides loggers with information on non-point source pollution, how water quality is impacted by timber harvesting, erosion processes, the water quality laws in Tennessee and the roles of state agencies in addressing water quality concerns and violations. Specific subjects covered in the BMP session include: importance of harvest planning, classifying different types of streams, identification of wetlands, stream crossing techniques (bridges, fords, culverts), streamside management zones (SMZs), road construction, water control and filter structures for haul roads and skid trails, locating and constructing log decks, revegetation, and visuals associated with timber harvesting
Session #4 - Forest Biology and Silviculture
Silviculture involves the cultural treatments used to influence stand establishment, growth, composition, health and quality for growing trees in a responsible and sustainable manner to produce one or more benefits without compromising the environment. Subject areas discussed in this session include forest succession, species ecology, regeneration methods, intermediate operations, harvesting practices, wildlife management principles, invasive exotic species, threatened and endangered species, management of areas with unique value, and updates on emerging technologies (e.g., biomass harvesting, carbon, certification, GPS). A field exercise is conducted for logging professionals to assess logging strategies in different stands based on land management objectives.
Session #5 - Business Management
Logging professionals are businessmen that are involved in financial management, much like any other small business. Business management is discussed by professionals in the areas of finance, recordkeeping/accounting, insurance, taxes and the law (attorney). Subjects include (1) Legal context for the logging company: title search for timber owners, identifying property lines, using a timber contract, penalties for cutting someone else’s timber, qualifying for the Tennessee sales tax exemption; (2) Accounting: business structure (sole proprietor, partnerships, limited liability corporation, S- or C-corporation), recordkeeping, cost analysis, taxes, contractors or employees, taxes (ordinary income, capital gains, deductions), statements on cash flow, income and net worth; (3) Banking: applying for a loan, establishing a relationship with a bank; (4) Insurance: general liability, equipment, trucking, health, and worker’s compensation.