FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 30, 2003, Albany, NY – New York Logger Training, Inc. (NYLT) has just launched an interactive website to benefit loggers and landowners:  www.nyloggertraining.org.

            NYLT is a cooperative effort of timber harvesters, forest industry, government, educators, and foresters working together to deliver resources allowing loggers to learn environmentally sound practices and improved skills.  This website is the next step along that path, and allows any person the ability to determine if an individual is Trained Logger Certified (TLC).

Since the original certificates were presented in 1996, TLC has become a standard within the wood using industry in New York.  Many businesses, forest landowners, and land managers require certification of woods workers, with many others encouraging participation in the program.  Within the Catskill region, TLC is an instrumental part of the water quality protection efforts of the New York City Watershed.

            The TLC program was developed to recognize loggers who complete a training schedule involving three “core” areas of knowledge and skills: Chainsaw Operation, Safety, & Productivity; Environmental Concerns; and Adult First Aid & CPR.  Continuing education is the backbone of TLC.  After initial certification is achieved, three Continuing Education credits over the next three years are required to maintain current TLC status. 

A Logger Search tab is provided on the site in part to provide landowners with another tool in determining a logger’s qualifications.  NYLT certifies that a timber harvester has completed training in best management practices for water quality and preventing soil erosion, as well as proper felling techniques to minimize risk of injury and residual damage to the forest.  NYLT does not endorse any individual logger or contractor, or the quality of their work.

The Home and Get Certified pages provide background information on NYLT, how and why it developed, what services are available, and how to participate in and get more information on TLC.  Also provided is a list of pre-approved continuing education classes. 

Clicking on Announcements brings the viewer to a place where news and recent policy changes effecting NYLT are posted.  Statistics tab shows our progress over the last seven years, highlighting workshops provided, students participating, and a running tally of certified loggers.  There are over 2,500 participants in the NYLT Database, 275 of whom are currently Trained Logger Certified. 

            Workshops shows what classes are available, when, costs, contact person, and a sign-up link.  Since 1996 NYLT has had, on average, one training session per week.  A private Login area is available to many program participants to check their status and plan for future training opportunities.

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