BMP's - Best Management Practices for Water Quality Covers planning, timber harvesting, forest road design and loation, wetland and stream crossings, riparian management zones, and permitting. Part of this session will be conducted outdoors. BMP's may be used for 8 hours of continuing education if you have already attended this workshop at least once.

Business Management: Topics include: determining your cost/cord to put wood roadside, calculations on whether or not to purchase equipment, IRS compliance, forms of business ownership and business startup information. It will be taught by John Resech, Business Tax Services LLC. John has been in business for 35 years; over 80% of his clients are in the forest products industry.

Chain Saw Safety: Open to loggers only. Covers topics such as: personal protective equipment (PPE), proper body mechanics, OSHA regulations, chain saw maintenance, and tools to aid with safe tree felling. There will be demonstrations of safe tree felling, limbing, bucking, and topping. Please bring your chain saw and PPE. Lunch is not provided for this workshop. We will meet in the parking lot of the specified location.

Cross Training for Loggers and Foresters: Will focus on how each group views the following: a timber sale, the need to understand each other's poing of view in the process, the costs associated with a logging job, and silvicultural prescriptions and their purpose. Methods to bring both groups to an advantageous outcome will be discussed.

GPS I: A beginners course introducing the NAVSTAR Satellite system and how a handheld GPS unit works with that system. Other topics include: latitude/longitude; heading; bearing; distance; GPS nativation (GOTO); and GPS setup parameters including location coordinates, map datum, northing, measurement units, waypoint entry, tracks and WAAS. Some GPS units will be provided for use. If you wish to use your own GPS unit please bring yoru owner's manual and computer cable, if provided. The course may include outdoor activities so dress appropriately.

Hardwood Sawlog Value Improvement: Focus on how to obtain maximum quality from hardwood trees through knowledge of the Log Scaling & Grading rules, Cutting Techniques to include Safety and Market Impacts. The workshop is a combination of classroom and field exercises.

Insect & Disease: Will cover a wide variety of topics including: Oak Wilt, Emerald Ash Borer, Defect Compartmentalization, and much more. Outdoor portion of the program will provide actual examples of various diseases and insect problems. Registration must be received before September 3, 2008. Class size is limited.

Introduction to Master Logger Certification: Will cover all aspects of the Master Logger Certification program including: application, interview, verification, and certification procedures involved in becoming a certified Master Logger. Part of this session may be held outdoors.

Log Truck Maintenance and Compliance: Will be held at the V&H Truck Training Center in Marshfield. Space is limited to the first 40 registrations. Topics and hands on equipment demonstrations include: State Patrol DOT inspections; new EPA engines and requirements; loader safety;basic electrical troubleshooting; rear axle and differentials demonstration; and lift axles and weight distribution configurations to maximize payload, tire wear and other opportunities.

Mechanized Training: Workshops are equipment and topic-specific as listed under site information for each session. Equipment ealers are hosting training at their facilities to provide hands-on training. Please attend only the workshop for which you own the equipment. Register early; space is limited.

Online Mapping and Aerial Photo Resources: Learn to find and utilize free web-based resources for aerial photos, mapping and basic GIS applications at the county and state level. Introductory information only; no prior GIS or mapping experience necessary. Particularly useful for timber sale reconnaissance, timber sale layout, harvest planning and road layout.

Timber Cruising for Loggers: Will focus on basic cruising techniques and equipment to determine cords and/or MBF per acre. Standing tree grading will also be discussed and demonstrated. This workshop will be conducted in the classroom and in the field.

Wildlife & Forest Management: Will provide discussion about how wildlife management and forest management can be implemented simultaneously. Topics will include: managing for specific wildlife species, wildlife openings, leave trees, and much more. Part of this session will be conducted outdoors.

Woodland Invasive Species: Will enable both loggers and resource managers to identify and control the most troublesome invaders of Wisconsin's forest, such as Buckthorn, Exotic Honeysuckle,, Garlic Mustard and others. Participants will learn to identify species in all seasons and prioritize eradication efforts. Hands-on experience in control methods will be included. Part of this session will be conducted outdoors