Deadline set for LEAP workshop

Over 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. Area loggers and residents will have a chance to take part in one of three LEAP Update workshops, including one in Sandpoint.

In 2025, LEAP Updates will be held at Lewiston on March 4, St. Maries on March 5, and Sandpoint on March 6. This year’s topics include weeds and riparian areas, working around class 2 streams, UI Experimental Forest updates; forest insects and disease, understanding chain shot, Timbermax harvesting equipment, Idaho logger outreach & training, a look at Idaho’s forest density problem and animal damage to forest trees.

Program enrollment is limited for each session with registration due by Tuesday, Feb. 25. A $45 registration fee includes resource materials and refreshments.

Registration is available online at marketplace.uidaho.edu, scrolling to then clicking on “University of Idaho Extension: Panhandle Forestry,” then clicking on the LEAP Update location you wish to attend. Registration forms are also available at local University of Idaho Extension offices.

For registration questions on the Lewiston session, contact the UI Extension forestry office on the Moscow campus at 208-885-9338. For registration questions on the St. Maries session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Benewah County at 208-245-2422. For registration questions on the Sandpoint session, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Bonner County at 208-263-8511.

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.