Program Overview

The Developing Thinking Sawyers (DTS) program, created by the USDA Forest Service, represents a modern, flexible, and comprehensive approach to sawyer training. It is specifically designed to provide broader training for individuals working on trail maintenance, stewardship projects, and other non-fire related sawyer tasks. This interactive guide will walk you through the program's core principles, its unique modular structure, and the benefits of becoming a certified Thinking Sawyer.

The curriculum's primary focus is to equip individuals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for safe and efficient saw work in diverse land management contexts. Throughout the program, a strong emphasis is placed on developing three critical pillars: **safety, proactive risk management, and critical thinking**.

Core Philosophy & Target Audience

The DTS program is founded on the principle of cultivating proactive risk management and critical thinking skills in every sawyer. The ultimate goal is to enhance both safety and operational effectiveness in every scenario where saws are utilized on National Forest System lands. This section outlines the fundamental purpose of the program and for whom it is designed.

✓
Main Purpose: To provide thorough training in sawyer safety, human factors, and risk management across various sawyer operations.
✓
Target Audience: A broad audience, including volunteers, cooperators, and Forest Service employees not primarily involved in fireline operations.
✓
Curriculum Focus: Emphasizes risk management, human factors, situational awareness, decision-making, and offers tailored training for bucking, felling, or crosscut saw work.
✓
Certification Use: Meets Forest Service standards for non-fire saw work. Can be equivalent to S-212 if specific fireline modules are completed.

Interactive Module Breakdown

A defining feature of DTS is its modular design. The program is broken down into distinct parts, allowing for highly customized training that ensures you receive the specific knowledge relevant to your role. Click on any module card below to explore its curriculum in detail.

Select a module above to view its key topics.

Program Benefits

The comprehensive and modular design of the DTS program offers several significant advantages for participants. It creates well-rounded sawyers who can adapt to various situations and consistently prioritize safety, making them valuable assets in any land management operation. Here are the key benefits:

Tailored Training

Students receive instruction directly relevant to their specific sawyer duties and project needs.

Enhanced Safety

A strong emphasis on risk management and critical thinking promotes safer work practices.

Versatility

Prepares sawyers for a broader range of tasks beyond just wildland fire operations.

Modern Standards

Incorporates current best practices and addresses human factors in sawyer operations.

Clear Certification Pathways

Provides straightforward routes to various sawyer certifications, including equivalency for S-212.