Overview

The OSU Student Logging Training Program is an opportunity within the College of Forestry for interested students seeking a degree in Forestry, Forest Engineering, or Forest Engineering/Civil Engineering, looking to gain real-life training in practical logging skills.

The SLTP provides a unique opportunity to experience real world logging applications, primarily on the McDonald-Dunn College Forest, just 15 minutes north of campus.

The student-crew utilizes a range of modern equipment logging equipment including a Koller 501 Yarder, Link Belt loader and a John Deere skidder. In addition, students become proficient using power saws to fall and buck timber.

Program Goals

Students learn to integrate silviculture with harvesting systems. The Student Logging Training Program also has a multifaceted set of goals. These include:

Training and teaching
Conduct workshops and class demonstrations
Promote Forest Engineering and harvest operations to the public
Demonstrating safe work practices

Assist Research Forest staff by:

Managing young stands with skyline cable thinning
Salvaging small pockets of blow down
Clearing roads
Removing hazards

The student logging training program provided me the hands on experience needed to make an easy transition from the classroom to a career in the forest.

- Chase Duncan '14

Right out of college I got a job working for the U.S. Forest Service in Grangeville, Idaho as a Smokejumper. The high climb, saw experience, and learning how to safely work in a hazardous environment was greatly valued by the jumper program.

- Erik Vermaas '14

The crew reinforces many of the tools that you learn through on the job experience; it's not simply an academic exercise. You get the full picture from planning to harvesting, then site prep and planting. Having the knowledge is important, but being able to apply it in the field is what employers are looking for. Having applied these practices through the crew I am more comfortable and confident in my work.

- Derek Littlejohn '15

The student logging training program provided me the hands on experience needed to make an easy transition from the classroom to a career in the forest.

- Chase Duncan '14

Right out of college I got a job working for the U.S. Forest Service in Grangeville, Idaho as a Smokejumper. The high climb, saw experience, and learning how to safely work in a hazardous environment was greatly valued by the jumper program.

- Erik Vermaas '14

The crew reinforces many of the tools that you learn through on the job experience, it's not simply an academic exercise. You get the full picture from planning to harvesting, then site prep and planting. Having the knowledge is important, but being able to apply it in the field is what employers are looking for. Having applied these practices through the crew I am more comfortable and confident in my work.

- Derek Littlejohn '15

Student Benefits

Student members of the logging crew are involved in all aspects of harvest operations:

Forest Engineering

Paper Plan
Field Reconnaissance
Final Planning and Layout

Harvest Operations

Felling and Bucking
Climbing and Rigging
Choker Setting
Yarding
Skidding
Log Quality Control
Marketing

Benefits to students include:

Earning money while going to school
Adding valuable employer-desired skills to resume
Applying classroom knowledge in a practical setting
Fullfill required work internship requirements

More Information

If you would like to learn more about the Student Logging Training Program and what it can offer your major, please review the information in the about and contact pages.

The SLTP selects new crew members during early fall term, however, we are always here to answer any questions you may have about the program, and how you can get involved.