Online Logger Training
Attention West Virginia Loggers:
The process for renewing a West Virginia Certified Logger number can now be completed in a couple of different ways, providing additional flexibility and covering new topics of interest to help you stay current with emerging forestry topics. The traditional full day WV Division of Forestry in-person class is still available and will meet all training requirements for recertification including both the required 2 credits on WV BMPs and 4 credits of additional continuing education.
New alternative online programs are now available that allow loggers around the state meet these training requirements without having to travel or take a day away from their operations. The WVU Extension Service’s Appalachian Hardwood Center is proud to provide WV Division of Forestry approved training programs for WV Loggers. Registration is free and can be completed at any time with a good internet connection and device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Please note that small screen sizes and touch navigation on smartphones and some tablets can make navigation more difficult.
WV Best Management Practices Recertification
This is the required 2 credit WV Best Management Practice program that all loggers applying for recertification must complete either the WV DOF in-person program or this online program. This is a self-paced, interactive course with videos, text, audio and a few questions to confirm your knowledge of the material. Upon completion, you will be provided a certificate and a copy will be automatically forwarded to the WV Division of Forestry.
Logging and Forestry Continuing Education Webinars
Over the past year, many webinars have been held covering different forestry related topics of interest. Archived recordings of these webinars have been consolidated in our online learning platform and made available to help meet the need for continuing education credits required for WV Certified Logger recertification applications.
With many recorded webinars (and more coming soon), you can select those programs that have topics most interesting to you. Once selected, you will just need to watch and learn about the different topics, answer a few questions to check your understanding, and then finally print a certificate to confirm your successful completion. This certificate will also be sent directly to the WV Division of Forestry so that your file will be updated as quickly as possible.
Please double check the total number of approved credits for each program – some are worth more or less than others. Note that no partial credit is provided – the entire webinar must be viewed, and the questions answered correctly in order to get the credit certificate. The webinars typically last a couple of hours or more and are usually comprised of individual 20-30 minute presentations on different topics. If you run out of time in one sitting, your progress is saved and the next time you login, you’ll be able to pick up where you left off.
Both of these new online programs will provide loggers the flexibility to review new interesting material when it is convenient – anywhere and anytime.
To get started please visit http://extensioncommunity.wvu.edu Look for the “Agriculture and Natural Resources” section and the “Forestry and Wildlife” option to see the available programs. Create a free account at the site in order to self register for either of the programs and start earning your credits. Don't wait until the last minute, expiring certifications must be renewed by June 30th and are good for two years.