“LEAP Updates”: 1-day Workshops for Loggers March 8-10

Nearly 2,000 Idaho loggers have taken the University of Idaho Extension program on forest ecology, silviculture, and water quality, titled “Logger Education to Advance Professionalism” or LEAP. LEAP Update is an annual opportunity for LEAP graduates to build on that professional development in forestry.

2022 LEAP Updates will be held at three Idaho locations: Lewiston on March 8, Coeur d’Alene on March 9 and Bonners Ferry on March 10.

This year’s topics include: diesel exhaust fluid BMPs; new ground-based skidding options; forests, climate, and policy; bark beetle issues to be ready for after the 2021 drought; identifying and preventing noxious weeds that invade Idaho forests; pending Idaho forest practice rule changes; pheromones as a tool in reducing bark beetle mortality; and strategies to improve survival of planted trees.

Program enrollment is limited for each session. Those wishing to participate should pre-register as soon as possible, but no later than March 1, 2022. A $45 registration fee ($48 for online registration with a credit card) includes resource materials and refreshments. Lunch will be provided by the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho.

For registration questions on the Lewiston session, contact the UI Extension forestry office on the Moscow campus at 208-885-6356. Online registration for the programs is available by going to https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/programs and scrolling to “LEAP Update 2022 Classes and Locations”.

For registration questions on the Coeur d’Alene session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Kootenai County at 208-292-2525. For registration questions on the Bonners Ferry session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Boundary County at 208-267-3235.

LEAP Update also helps loggers to fulfill Idaho Pro-Logger program annual continuing education and best management practice training requirements. For more information on the Idaho Pro-Logger program or logging safety/first aid sessions, contact the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho at 208-667-6473.