Workshops with current openings will have a register link by the title. If you have any questions about individual training requirements, review them here or contact the MLEP office.

View the complete 2009 Training Brochure (pdf file)

LogSafe register

Participants must select between two tracks when registering for the workshop:

Track 1- CPR and First Aid certification and recertification. (8 hrs. LogSafe Cr.) Track 2 - Tire and wheel safety, tick borne diseases: human anaplasmosis, babesiosis and lymes disease. (4 hrs. LogSafe Cr.)
March 25- Rochester - Best Western Apache COMPLETED
March 31 - Baudette - Sportsman Lodge COMPLETED
April 1 and 2 - International Falls - Holiday Inn COMPLETED
April 8 - Tower (MLEP conference) - Fortune Bay Resort COMPLETED
April 9 - Two Harbors - Grand Superior Lodge COMPLETED
April 15 - Walker (MLEP conference) - Northern Lights COMPLETED
April 21 and 22 - Grand Rapids - Sawmill Inn COMPLETED
April 23 - Biwabik - Giant's Ridge COMPLETED
April 28 - Cloquet - Forestry Center COMPLETED
April 29 - Brainerd - The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes COMPLETED
May 5 - Bemidji - Hampton Inn COMPLETED
Oct. 6 - International Falls - Holiday Inn
Oct. 7 - Bemidji - Hampton Inn (CPR/First Aid Full - Waitlist available)
Oct. 8 - Cloquet - Forestry Center(CPR/First Aid Full - Waitlist available)
Dec. 8 - Chisholm - Iron World

*The OSHA Logging Standard requires employers to assure that each employee, including supervisors, receives or has received First Aid and CPR training and that each employee's First Aid and CPR training remain current. In most cases, this would require completing the First Aid and CPR certification every other year.

Forest Management Guideline Training register (2 days - for new members)

This two-day training provides an introduction to Minnesota’s Forest Management and Biomass Harvesting Guidelines .All new MLEP members, as well as those reapplying for MLEP membership, are required to attend this training. After completing this training, participants will be knowledgeable of the Guidelines and how to implement them in their sale design and harvest operations.

Day One– Introduction to Forest Management & Biomass Harvesting Guidelines
This session will provide an overview of the Guidelines and participants will receive a copy of the Guidelines manual. Topics include: cultural resources, forest soils, riparian areas, wildlife habitat, stream & wetland approaches & crossings, spills, water diversion and erosion control, visual quality and waterbody identification in the context of timber harvesting and forest road building.

Day Two– Implementing the Guidelines in Timber Sale Design
Participants will discuss planning considerations and tools. Next, participants will work in small groups – reviewing site information before traveling to the forest to walk-over and create their own timber sale plan.Finally, groups present their sale design to the group at large.
September 1 & 2 - Cloquet
16 hrs. MLEP Credit (8 per day)

Landview (GIS) for Loggers, Foresters, and Landowners register

Putting state-wide aerial photos, mapping and other geographic information at your fingertips. This workshop will provide training on Landview (a free Geographic Information System (GIS) developed by MN DNR for non-GIS users). The workshop will take place in a computer lab where participants will use Landview to: browse spatial data; create simple point, line, and polygon shapefiles; download and upload data to a Garmin GPS; and create, view, and print maps; download shapefiles from the MN DNR data deli; customize overlay layers and work with attribute tables. Participants will also receive a DVD that includes a copy of the Landview program and GIS data for their county for use on their own computer..
May 13 - Cloquet COMPLETED
October 1 - Brainerd
8 hrs. MLEP Credit

Silviculture register

This workshop explains the core principles of silviculture and the common methods in Minnesota. Experience collecting data and developing a silvicultural prescription for a given stand and landowner objective, discuss tradeoffs inherent in planning and implementation and answer your questions about silviculture.
July 14 - Grand Marais
8 hrs. MLEP Credit

Wage and Hour Law And Regulations register

This workshop will provide a presentation on the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and how it affects logging and log trucking employers .In addition, participants will learn about the law and regulations concerning relationships between contracting parties and the methods used to determine whether an employment relationship exists. Finally, participants will break into small groups and complete realistic logging case studies exercises.
August 11 - Duluth
4 hrs. MLEP or LogSafe Credit

Hands-On Chainsaw Maintenance & Safe Felling register

Participants in this workshop will receive an overview of the OSHA requirements related to chainsaw safety. Specifically, the training will address chainsaw safety features, reactive forces and the importance of proper saw selection and maintenance. Participants will also review the tools and Personal Protective Equipment necessary to aid in safely felling trees. Out in the woods, a facilitated discussion will take place about observed jobsite hazards and include a demonstration of safe felling, limbing, bucking and topping techniques. Finally, participants will receive individual instruction and practice the demonstrated techniques.
August 18 - Rochester
August 20 - Hackensack
8 hrs. LogSafe Credit

Responding To Change: Financial Tools and Business Planning For Today's Timber Producer register

During these challenging times understanding your costs, risks, and financial position are more important than ever.  Just as important is developing a business plan to see your way through.  Participants in this workshop will review the financial tools available to help manage day-to-day operations.  Then the workshop will shift its focus from operations management to strategic thinking.  We will discuss emerging biomass markets and build the framework for creating a business plan that addresses the changes taking place in today’s timber industry.
August 12 - International Falls
December 15 - Cloquet
4 hrs. MLEP Credit

Reasonable Suspicion Training register

This training will address drug and alcohol use in the workplace. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations state each employer shall ensure that all persons designated to supervise drivers receive training on alcohol misuse and drug use. If you have drivers working for you – attend this training and stay in compliance with the FMCSA regulations.
September 18 - Grand Rapids (during North Star Expo)
4 hrs. MLEP or LogSafe Credit

Truck Weight Compliance Training register

The training has been updated to reflect 2009 truck weight legislative changes. Participants will review the laws governing gross weights, road-restriction weights, axle weights, and seasonally increased weights. The workshop will also address the differences between the state and local systems, road damage issues, reading weight charts, and the advantages and reasons for proper tire sizes, axle spacing, and axle configurations. Professional and easy to understand classroom and “take home” materials will help you identify potential concerns with your own trucks and assist you in optimizing your own configurations and options.

This workshop is being funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The instructor is retired State Patrol Lieutenant Greg A. Hayes.

This workshop includes coffee breaks and program materials. Registrants are on their own for lunch.
Oct. 9 - Bemidji
Oct. 23 - Medina
Oct. 30 - Alexandria
8 hrs. MLEP Credit

Transportation & Import/Export Issues Between Canada and USA register

This workshop will address some of the many issues related to transporting equipment and forest products between Canada and the US. Topics to be addressed include: transportation laws and regulations, insurance requirements, driver qualifications, fuel stickers and fuel tax reporting, customs and more.
October 13 - International Falls
4 hrs. MLEP Credit

The DOT Audit register

The DOT audit – how to prepare and what to expect. Pamela DeGrote, a Transportation Program Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Transportation will provide a complete review of applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the DOT audit process.Topics to be covered include: selection; driver qualifications; drug and alcohol use, testing and programs; hours of service, inspection, service and maintenance, hazardous materials and more.
October 20 - Brainerd
8 hrs. MLEP Credit

Skilled Driver Workshop register

Representatives from the Minnesota State Patrol will discuss enforcement issues, provide a review of the load restraint standards and discuss the use and placement of these restraints during a truck/trailer walk around.
October 27 - Bemidji
October 28 - Virgina
4 hrs. MLEP Credit

Online Biomass Harvesting Guideline Training

It’s Simple: Simple and self-paced - This training is user-friendly and self-directed. Study as much as you need to know, at the pace you learn!

It’s Fun: Have fun learning with interactive slides and questions.

It’s Official: After answering the quiz questions correctly and completing the training, you will enter your name, address and email. This information will be recorded by the Minnesota Logger Education Program (loggers) and the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative (resource managers). You will also receive an email confirming your completion of the training.

Note: If you attended a 2008 Logger Conference, or have completed this online training in 2008, you cannot receive credit for this training in 2009.

This training is free for members of the Minnesota Logger Education Program and Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative. The cost for others wishing to receive credit for this training is $45. Click here to go to the online training page: Online Biomass Guideline Training

Completed Workshop Offerings - 2009

Forest Values and Carbon Markets: Opportunites for MN

This workshop is sponsored by the Blandin Foundation as part of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) 2009 Annual Meeting. The activites below on this day can receive MLEP credit.

Note: Actual cost of the day is $55.00. MLEP will cover $25.00 of the cost. MLEP members are required to pay $30.00 upon registration (invoice will be sent). If you register and do not attend, you are responsible a no-show fee of $30.00 billed by MLEP.

Feb. 26 - Cloquet Forestry Center COMPLETED

2009 Logger Conferences

Day One
The conference will begin with a group session that includes and update on MLEP and review of monitoring and audit findings. Participants will then choose from a variety of breakout sessions. Breakout sessions will include any required contractor training and other topics designated for business owners and employees – check the MLEP website for further details.
(8 hrs. MLEP Cr.)

Day Two
Track 1- CPR and first aid certification and recertification. Track 2 - Tire and wheel safety, tick borne diseases: human anaplasmosis, babesiosis and lymes disease. (8 hrs. LogSafe Cr.– Track One; 4 hrs. LogSafe Cr.– Track Two)

April 7 - 8- Fortune Bay Resort, Tower COMPLETED
Room rates for conference are $59 plus tax for a double room, $74 plus tax for premium double room. Specify the “MLEP Conference” when making reservations and rooms must be held on valid credit card. Call 800-555-1714. Reservations at group rate can be made until March 14, 2009. Cancellation penalty applies if cancelled less than 3 days before arrival.

April 14 - 15- Northern Lights Convention Center, Walker COMPLETED
Room rates for conference are $65 plus tax for standard room. Specify the “MN Logger Block” when making reservations and rooms must be held on valid credit card. Call 866-652-4683. Reservations at group rate can be made until March 31, 2009.

Anderson Lubricants Commercial Seminars Credits - 8 hr. MLEP

This seminar is provided by Anderson Lubricants, Inc. and MLEP credit will be offered. The seminar includes topics of engine oils, hydraulics, transmission fluids, antifreeze, oil analysis and grease.

Lunch will be provided.

Please register by March 16, 2009
March 24 - Grand Rapids COMPLETED
March 25 - Virginia COMPLETED
March 26 - Ashland, WI COMPLETED

Truck Weight Compliance Training Credits - 8 hr. MLEP

The training has been updated to reflect 2009 truck weight legislative changes. Participants will review the laws governing gross weights, road-restriction weights, axle weights, and seasonally increased weights. The workshop will also address the differences between the state and local systems, road damage issues, reading weight charts, and the advantages and reasons for proper tire sizes, axle spacing, and axle configurations. Professional and easy to understand classroom and “take home” materials will help you identify potential concerns with your own trucks and assist you in optimizing your own configurations and options.

This workshop is being funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The instructor is retired State Patrol Lieutenant Greg A. Hayes.

This workshop includes coffee breaks and program materials. Registrants are on their own for lunch.
Jan. 13 - Owatonna COMPLETED
Jan. 21 - Shoreview COMPLETED
Jan. 28 - Alexandria COMPLETED
Feb. 3 - Pipestone COMPLETED
Mar. 3 - Detroit Lakes COMPLETED
Mar. 11 - East Grand Forks COMPLETED
Mar. 19 - Owatonna COMPLETED
Mar. 20 - St. Cloud COMPLETED
Apr. 1 - Duluth COMPLETED
Apr. 8 - Rochester COMPLETED
Apr. 15 - Alexandria COMPLETED
Apr. 22 - Bloomington COMPLETED
(8 hr. MLEP Credit)

Fueling the Future: Role & Use of Woody and Agriculture Biomass for Energy

This workshop is sponsored by the Uof M Extension and MN DNR. Woody and agricultural biomass has been used for thousands of years for cooking, heating and has received considerable attention in the recent past as a “fuel of the future”. Our public forests and agricultural lands could provide a reliable supply of biomass for energy production while also maintaining ecological productivity.

Development and commercialization of such biobased and bioenergy products provide new and expanded markets and help reduce our dependence on non renewable sources. The expected increase of biomass energy, particularly from woody and agricultural biomass, could play a significant role in diversifying the forestry and agricultural sectors and revitalizing rural communities.

At this workshop/field day, a wide spectrum of leading experts will describe the role and use of woody and agricultural biomass in fueling the future.

February 18 - Roosevelt COMPLETED
March 19 - Morris COMPLETED
March 21 - North Branch COMPLETED
March 26 - Ponsford COMPLETED
April 2 - Brainerd COMPLETED
April 25 - Duluth COMPLETED
April 29 - St. Cloud COMPLETED
(8 hrs. MLEP Credit)

Aitkin County Logger Workshop

This year's Aitkin County Logger Workshop focuses on biomass harvesting. The day includes presentations on biomass products and Aitkin County Feasibility Study, existing biomass markets, utilization, and Harvesting Guidelines, the harvesting and economics, along with a "year in review" of timber prices from the DNR, and MN State Patrol Q &A.View agenda here
April 16 - Palisade COMPLETED
8 hrs. MLEP Credit

GPS for Loggers, Foresters, and Landowners

This hands-on workshop provides a brief overview of the basics of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and will include detailed instruction for customizing settings, marking a location, mapping a boundary, and calculating acreage. In addition, participants will create & navigate waypoints, tracks and routes. The workshop is a hybrid of the Introduction and Intermediate GPS classes we have offered in the past. The curriculum has been overhauled and updated for use with the Garmin GPS MAP 76csx receivers that we will use in the workshop.

Fee: $10.00 equipment fee for MLEP members. $135.00 for non members.
May 5 - Rochester COMPLETED
May 7 - Grand Rapids COMPLETED
May 8 - International Falls COMPLETED
8 hrs. MLEP Credit

Accessing Aerial Photos, Topo Maps, and Other Planning Tools

This is an introductory workshop, designed primarily for individuals with little to no experience using digital geographic information. This workshop will not address geographic information systems—it will only cover sources of information and software that are simple to use and free or low-cost. After completing this workshop, participants will be comfortable finding, obtaining, and using a variety of kinds of geospatial information about potential Minnesota timber harvest sites.
May 15 - Cloquet COMPLETED
4 hrs. MLEP Credit

Operator Select Timber Marking

This classroom and field workshop will present key principles of marking Minnesota timber and implementing operator select thinning in a practical, straightforward format. Participants will gain a sense of the many factors to consider when choosing trees to mark and harvest. Further, the workshop will cover the objectives and application of thinning practices – including the advantages and flexibility of operator select thinning. At the end of the workshop, participants will: be able to determine stand volume, be familiar with common terminology and concepts related to timber marking in Minnesota as well as the common, constant tradeoffs and decisions when marking timber, know more about the benefits of carefully marking timber and how to balance efficiency vs. attention to details when marking timber.
May 20- Bemidji COMPLETED
8 hrs. MLEP Credit