North Jersey Chain Gang

The North Jersey Chain Gang is a roving volunteer chainsaw crew dedicated to clearing fallen trees (blowdowns) that obstruct trails in Northern New Jersey.

Training:

ONLY certified sawyers may operate a chainsaw with this crew. New recruits without any chainsaw experience and/or certifications start out as "Swampers." Swampers assist certified chainsaw operators (chainsawyers) in helping remove cut debris from the trail, as well as help carry gear to and from worksites. After attending several work trips and gaining basic chainsaw knowledge through this apprenticeship, he/she may take a chainsaw certification course to become a certified chainsawyer. The course is two days long and typically runs twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Providing you are a member of a crew, there is no fee for this course.

Once certified as a sawyer, you will also be required to attend a Basic First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid/CPR course for the chainsaw certification to be valid. The Trail Conference typically holds these courses shortly after the chainsaw courses are held.

Committment:

• Work a minimum of two Chain Gang crew trips per month during the busy seasons of Spring and Fall.
• Keep chainsawyer and first-aid certifications up to date.
• Provide their own (safely maintained) chainsaw and use proper approved PPE (personal protection equipment), including chaps, thick work gloves, 6 point hard hat, safety glasses, and ear plugs or muffs.
• Perform physically demanding work and exercise safe working practices.
• Car pool distances up to 1 1/2 hours away with your fellow crew members.

We are not only helping keep trails clear for hikers, but helping our fellow maintainers, trail supervisors, and committee chairs in the great work that they do.

Contact the crew:  njchaingang@gmail.com

Crew Chief:  Pete Zuroff

Crew Leader:  Tom Carr

2012 Work Trip Schedule TBA