In 1987, few could foresee the tremendous impact Indiana's Logger Training Program would have on the forests, landowners, and logging and sawmill industry. A training program so successful that it has benefited not only the logging and sawmill industry but also the Division of Forestry (DOF), landowners, Indiana's forests, and insurance companies. Here is how it all started.

In 1984, the Governor's Conference On Wood -Using Industries was held to "capture the full economic and social benefits of Indiana's forest resources and Wood-using Industries". The conference was organized by John Datena, head of DOF, and forest industry leaders to help identify opportunities and barriers that existed and to develop recommendations. One recommendation was the formation of a voluntary Wood-using organization, made up of loggers and sawmill owners, that could address problems associated with logging. With the help of John Datena and concerned individuals from Wood-using industries, the Indiana Forest Industry Council (IFIC) was formed on August 5, 1986.

IFIC's purpose "To encourage and promote the exchange of ideas and information among businesses engaged in timber buying or the primary or secondary wood-using industries to facilitate the resolution of problems associated with the growing and harvesting of Indiana's forest resources..."

In 1987, IFIC and DOF combined their efforts to develop a brochure to explain proper forest management and to train loggers in its use. This brochure continues to be printed at industry's expense and used by them as a forest management tool. The success of the brochure project, through the combined effort of IFIC and DOF, was the springboard which led to Indiana's Logger Training Program.

In late 1987, a grant was obtained by DOF through a USFS Focus Funding Project for educating loggers in harvesting operations. The monies were funneled through IFIC to develop a Logger Training Program. IFIC was required to match the grant and DOF assigned a harvesting specialist to support and coordinate the program. World renown logging instructor Soren Eriksson was chosen to help develop the training program based on his own Game of Logging (GAL) Training Program.

By June of 1990, four phases of Cutter Training had been developed and the training had become self-supporting. Because of the success of this training, a USFS Rural Development Grant was obtained by DOF and funneled through IFIC for the development of Skidder Operator Training, First and Second Phase Skidder Operator Training has now been developed and become self-supporting. GOL Training for Foresters is now being developed and development of the first phase of that training is complete.

Industry response to the training has been tremendous not only in matching funds but in training attendance. Four training days are required to complete the Cutter Training and two days required to complete the Skidder Training� As of September 12, 1996, 1,758 persons have attended the training sessions.

The goals of the Logger Training Program are: Increased safety, increased production and utilization, protection of the forest during harvesting operations and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP's).

The importance of maintaining a safe work place is paramount in the logging industry. Logging has one of the highest Workmen's Compensation insurance rates. Because logging is classified as high risk many loggers are placed in a pool meaning they must pay an additional 25% premium. Before the training many loggers paid $30.00 per $100.00 of payroll for the coverage, plus another $7.50 for being in the pool.

As a result of the Training Program and the interest insurance companies have shown in the training, the Workmen's Compensation insurance rate has been reduced to $24.54 per $100.00 of payroll. This reduction in rate reflects the fact that there are fewer serious accidents as a result of the training. In addition to the rate reduction, insurance companies are recognizing the value of our Training Program and are writing trained loggers at an even lower rate and without the pool charge. Workmen's Compensation rates for Indiana Loggers are the lowest of any adjoining state, in large part due to the Training Program.

The Training Program emphasizes the use of hard hats with eye and ear protection, leg protection, foot protection, proper equipment use and maintenance, and a logging plan which provides for the safe conduct of the harvesting operation.

Safe harvesting operations mean more production because of less lost time injuries and better coordination of the different facets of the harvesting operation. The training emphasizes proper maintenance of the chain saw, including chain sharpening and bar care, which results in a 10 to 20% increase in production. The training also results in better utilization of the resource through improved felling and skidding practices. Estimates of a 25% increase in production through the use of more safe and efficient harvesting practices are not uncommon.

Safety and efficiency results in less damage to the residual forest during a harvesting operation. By better planning and coordination along with the use of directional felling, proper skidding techniques, and Best Management Practices (BMP's), damage to the forest is minimized.

The Training Program emphasizes the use of BMP's, which are environmentally responsible practices to protect water quality and conserve forest resources and forestland productivity. The training continually stresses to cutters, skidder operators and foresters that BMP's are an integral part of the total harvesting system and must be used during all phases of the harvesting operation.

The basis of the Training Program is a thought process which enables landowners, foresters and loggers to plan, conduct and closeout a timber harvesting operation in a safe and efficient manner while protecting the environmental functions and productivity of the forest. Each person involved in the operation thinks in terms of the whole picture rather than their individual task. Everyone conducts their segment of the operation in a manner which reflects that they have a vested interest in the long term health and productivity of Indiana's forests.

For more information or to attend the Logger Training, contact