MISSION: The purpose of the Vermont LEAP program is to promote a professional approach to logging by providing the knowledge necessary for loggers to work safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally conscientious manner while harvesting timber in Vermont.

Logger Education to Advance Professionalism (LEAP)

What it Means: There are a number of reasons to be certifed through the LEAP Program;
selling wood to Mills that require certification to professional advancement to recognition
by landowners. What ever the reason, the LEAP Program is currently the only recognized
Logger Education organization in the State of Vermont.

Cost to become a LEAP Logger:
• There is a one-time Registration Fee of $250.
• After the registration fee is paid, the only cost is the day fee for the workshop(s) of choice.
These fees generally range from No Cost to $125 depending on the topic, instructor and
material costs.

How it Works:

Step 1. Provisional LEAP Certification
Provisional LEAP Certification is for loggers new to logger education. To receive this level of certification a logger must pay a one-time registration fee of $250 and complete 24 hours (three days) of instruction in the Primary Curriculum. The Primary Curriculum workshops are:

Managing and Using Forest Ecosystems*
Professionalism in Forestry*
Equipment Handling and Safety*

These workshops are offered every other year. (Dave, could we change this sentence to something like: “These workshops are offered on odd numbered years, 2011, 2013, 2015, etc.”) Loggers interested in joining the LEAP program in a year when provisional courses are not offered should contact the LEAP Coordinator for more information.

*Individual workshop fees are in addition to the one-time $250 registration fee.

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Step 2. Full LEAP Certification
To receive Full Certification a logger who has completed the Primary Curriculum must complete 24 hours (three days) of additional workshops, within 2 years of obtaining Provisional status. One of these workshops must be in First Aid and CPR. The other two workshops may be electives of the logger’s choice. These electives may be taken from other organizations offering workshops, as long as they are approved for LEAP Credits. There are typically individual workshop registration fees for these classes.

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Step 3. Maintaining Full Certification – Continuing Education (CE)
Once a logger receives Full Certification, he/she is required to participate in the equivalent of 16 hours (two days) of continuing education programs or public service, every 2 years thereafter. In addition, First Aid and CPR certifications must be kept current. To satisfy the continuing education requirements:

• One of the workshops must be forestry related.
• The other workshop may be another forestry related workshop or any formal workshop in an area of personal interest.
• Public service may be substituted for one of the workshops. Examples of acceptable public service include but are not limited to;
serving on a local board, coaching a team, volunteering for some function, etc.

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For loggers interested in joining LEAP who have credits from another Logger Education Organization,
please contact the LEAP Coordinator, David Birdsall to see what credits can be transferred.

DOWNLOADS
:: Download Curriculum Guide (Revised: December 2006)