This beginner-friendly course is designed to create a supportive learning environment for women. Open to participants 18 and older, this workshop covers the fundamentals of safe and effective chainsaw operation, including basic use, maintenance, and safety practices.
The course combines classroom learning with hands-on field practice. Participants must be able to lift at least 20 pounds and are responsible for their own food, lodging, and appropriate clothing.
Chainsaws, tools, and safety equipment are available for participants who do not have their own. SVC will also supply work gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection as needed. Full details will be provided before the course date.
This is a free event, thanks to generous sponsorship by the Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up® (ORU) charitable giving program!
Details:
Dates: October 18–19, 2025
Time: Meet at 10:00 AM on Saturday, Oct 18, at the SVC office (6787 MT Hwy 83, Condon)
Location: SVC Office and Swan Legacy Forest
Cost: Free! (Thanks to generous sponsorship from Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up® (ORU) charitable giving program)
Capacity: 10 participants
Instructor: Sierra LaBonte -- Sierra has many years of experience on Forest Service trail crews and has led numerous chainsaw trainings.
For questions or more information, please contact the course instructor, Sierra Labonte, at Sierra.labonte@gmail.com, or reach out to SVC's Taylor Tewksbury at taylor@svconnections.org.
Meet Your Instructor
SIERRA LABONTE
With over 15 years of experience on landscaping crews, conservation corps, and U.S. Forest Service trail crews, Sierra has developed strong expertise in functional saw operations and instruction. Most recently, she served as Trails Foreman in the Bitterroot National Forest, training both seasoned professionals and beginners in safe, effective saw use. She is especially passionate about empowering women through technical skills (as we can all forget time to time how capable we are!).