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Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann took her chainsaw in hand and learned the ropes of chainsaw safety at a New York Logger Training course held on October 20, 2003, on land owned by B & B Lumber south of Syracuse. The course offered Senator Hoffmann a chance to refresh her knowledge of safe chainsaw handling techniques, which will help her in maintaining the wooded lots of her own farm.
"I've been using a chainsaw for years, but I was amazed at how many new facts, techniques and safety tips I learned from this course. It involved a lot of math and was very hard work," said Senator Hoffmann, who was responsible for the passage of major timber theft legislation in 2003.
Professional loggers and wildlife resource experts attended the course with Senator Hoffmann. The instructors scored participants on their accuracy and safety. Senator Hoffmann scored higher than many of her more experienced classmates. According to Michael Burns, program manager for the Empire State Forest Products Association, Senator Hoffmann made history by being the first elected official ever to participate in the program.
"Senator Hoffmann took the logger training course very seriously, and she scored very well in accuracy and safety. She scored higher than I did," laughed Burns.
"Anyone who uses a chainsaw on a regular basis or plans to use one in the future should take this course," said Senator Hoffmann.
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Instructor Bill Lindloff, a professional logger for Pro Cuts from Endicott, New York, kept an eye on Senator Hoffmann as she sharpened the chain of her chainsaw. |
Senator Hoffmann begins the downward angle of a hinge cut. |
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The final portion of the hinge cut is completed, and the wedge falls away from the tree. |
TIMBER! |
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Bill Lindloff congratulated Senator Hoffmann on a tree safely felled. A special thanks to Jim & Margaret Mueller of Magnolia's Garden for supplying safety equipment for Senator Hoffmann. |
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