Sawyer Program

What’s a Sawyer

A sawyer is a trained and certified person who cuts and clears fallen trees, logs, and heavy brush blocking a trail.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Clearing Blowdowns: They remove trees ("blowdowns") that fall across singletracks after storms or heavy winds.

  • Using Specialized Tools: Operate chainsaws or traditional two-person crosscut saws.

  • Participate in a minimum of 3 logout work events per season.

  • Follow all guidelines from training and FS check out/in system.

  • Work within your certification level.

  • Always work with a swamper.

  • Log all volunteer hours.


Job Qualifications:

  • Potential sawyers must swamp 3 or 4 times prior to taking sawyer certification.

  • Sawyers must be current with 1st Aid and CPR certifications.

  • Successful completion of 16 hour USFS Chainsaw Certification Course with recert every 3 years.

  • Must be current COTA member.

Interested in becoming a Sawyer?
If you’re ready to become a certified sawyer or need recertification:

  • Contact Alex Brieger , COTA’s Trail Program Director

  • If you would like to be added to our sawyer or swamper email list, send us a request

  • Fill out our Sawyer Information Request Form


Submit a Deadfall Report
Pease send an email to sawyer@cotamtb.com with: Location (GPS coordinates are best), approximate size of trees. Pictures are very helpful!

Get Started
If you’re ready to become a certified sawyer or need recertification:

  • Contact Alex Brieger , COTA Trail Program Director

  • If you would like to be added to our sawyer or swamper email list, send us a request

  • Fill out our Sawyer Information Request Form