What is New York Logger Training (NYLT)?
New York Logger Training, (NYLT), Inc. is an entity under the organizational umbrella of the Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA) that provides educational and skills training for the forest products industry in New York State. NYLT and its Trained Logger Certification program (TLC) are supported financially by companies committed to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), as well as other agencies and organizations. NYLT is governed by its own Board of DIrectors, including TLC loggers representing leadership and best practice excellence, and is guided by a curriculum committee across the spectrum of forestry and timber harvesting educators and trainers to delineate learning objectives and design workshops that align with real practice.
What is Trained Logger Certification?
Trained Logger Certification (TLC) is a voluntary program of NYLT that recognizes loggers who have achieved a high-level of training and continuing education in the areas of safety, productivity, and sustainable and best logging and management practices. Since the original certificates were presented in 1996, TLC has become the standard training program for the wood using industry in NY, and is a requisite attainment for conducting harvesting on state lands as well delivering wood to companies adhering to the SFI. TLC programming is co-designed by a collaborative of partners including timber harvesters, forest industry, forest landowners, government, and educators focused on developing and implementing best approaches centered on issues of onsite/in-woods and on the road safety, forest ecology, timber harvesting best practices, sustainability and resiliency planning, water conservation (BMPs), and professional/business acumen, among others.
Why should I be Trained Logger Certified?
TLC workshops can help you learn how to make more money, reduce costs, and reduce logging accidents, and get your trees on the ground and processed safely. TLC is also required to log on state land, and companies participating in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) require TLC in order to deliver wood to their facilities.
How do I become TLC?
Unlike other training programs, TLC applies to individual loggers, not an overarching company designation. Anyone can become TLC as long as they complete the three “CORE” one-day trainings, below:
Chainsaw Safety & Operation
Game of Logging Level 1 or its equivalent (as determined by the NYLT Board of Directors) introduces loggers to open face felling and the techniques to safely use it. Other topics covered include personal protective equipment, chainsaw safety, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell and understanding hinge wood strength.
First Aid & CPR
Meet both TLC and OSHA worksplace requirements by attending this course where you will learn how to respond to first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies. Successful students receive a certificate of Adult First Aid & CPR valid for two years. TLC recognizes American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and National Safety Council Certifications. These courses are often available locally from hospitals, fire halls and ambulance squads.
Forest Ecology & Silviculture
Forest Ecology and Silviculture introduces the basics of forest ecosystems, Silviculture, and Best Management Practices. During the afternoon, participants go on a woods walk to put their new knowledge to work.
After completing these three courses, you will receive a certificate and ID card as proof of your TLC status.
How do I keep my TLC?
Your first TLC is valid for three years. To maintain it, you’ll need to earn three (3) continuing education credits before it expires. You will also need to renew your First Aid & CPR certification every two years, and this refresher course counts as a half credit toward your 3 required credits. You can get credits by attending continuing education workshops or participate in NYLT pre-approved online workshops. We recommend completing one continuing education credit each year to stay ahead of the game.
Full day workshops are worth one credit and half-day workshops are worth one half credit. Some webinars are worth .25 credit and take approximately one hour to complete.
How do I Re-Certify if My TLC Lapses
If your TLC expires, a one-time immediate reinstatement of TLC is offered upon request. Your First Aid and CPR needs to be current and you need to have completed on Continuing Education credit in the last 6 months. Upon reinstatement you’ll have on year to complete the two additional Continuing Education credits. Once completed, the recertification is valid for three years.