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Backcountry Horsemen Earn Chainsaw Certification By Rhonda Kelly Duncan & Pam Floyd Article from Horsemen's Roundup, April 2024 Vol 31 Issue 2 In a transformative journey characterized by resilience and determination, the Backcountry Horsemen of Arkansas have turned the impossible into the "I'mpossible." A group of members from all four state chapters recently achieved a significant milestone by completing comprehensive U.S. Forest Service (USFS) standard sawyer training at Devil's Den State Park. Certification was a requirement to utilize saws on USFS and National Park Service (NPS) land where Backcountry members work tirelessly to maintain trails. When a suitable certification class could not be found, two members of the group studied under USFS professionals and became instructors themselves. Participants were first required to undergo CPR training prior to their chainsaw certification to ensure they possessed essential life-saving skills, as well as each participant having their own chainsaw equipment and PPE, which is quite an expense. This year's 2024 certification training was led by retired professor and equine enthusiast Henry Crouch, Arkansas Chainsaw Coordinator Larkin Floyd, and Backcountry Horsemen of Northwest Arkansas President Jim Center. The chainsaw training, which commenced with an intensive classroom seminar, prioritized safety and preparedness. Additionally, the hands-on, in-the-field portion of the class further honed their skills. The certification process culminated in a supportive atmosphere, with guest speakers including USFS Officer Kirk Vermillion, Superintendent Tim Scott, and Park Interpreter Cara Helton providing valuable insight and encouragement. Max and Jacci Ryan provided a meal featuring Max's renowned chili and Texas cornbread, as well as Lynne Patterson, who provided homemade soup. Ranger Allen Smith provided the final sign-off. With assistance from Roy Eastep and Patrick Scott, the Backcountry Horsemen of Arkansas proudly announced the certification of Class A, B, and C sawyers. The newly certified Class A and B sawyers included Chuck and Carol Bitting, Donna Blake, Mary Cole, Rhonda Kelly Duncan, Pam Floyd, Gary Gerber, Betty Van Houten, Rhonda Keeter, Michael McGee, Robert Willett, Bonnie Sheppard, and Dan Greasy with Ozark Highland Trails. With all four Arkansas chapters of the Backcountry Horsemen of America—Buffalo River, Ozark, Sylamore, and Northwest Arkansas—united, Arkansas equestrians are better prepared to help protect the natural beauty of their trails. At top, a group photo of Back Country Horsemen members; next row, Rhonda Kelly-Duncan with her chainsaw, left, and Jim Center in the classroom; Betty Van Houten and Rhonda Keeter in the classroom, left, and Chuck Bitting demonstrating a cut, right; bottom right, Pam Floyd demonstrating. Original Publication Link 
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Back Country Horsemen of Northwest Arkansas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization |
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