Volunteer Sawyer Org · Central Oregon
Crosscut & Chainsaw · Trail Clearing
Open to All Skill Levels · Seedling to Old Growth
Central Oregon · Est. 2025

Trail cutters trailcutters.org

Volunteer sawyers clearing blowdowns, training crews, and keeping the backcountry open across Central Oregon's high desert forests.

🪓
340+
Active Sawyers
🌲
12k
Miles Cleared
🗺️
48
Active Projects
🤝
12+
Partner Orgs
About TC

For the trail.

Trailcutters is a volunteer sawyer organization working to keep trails, campgrounds, and backcountry routes open across Central Oregon.

We train sawyers, coordinate with land managers, and deploy crews where the work is needed most — from routine blowdown clearance after winter storms to hazard tree removal in heavily used campgrounds.

TC partners with trail organizations and agencies across the east side of the Cascades to make sure trained hands are where they're needed. Whether you're new to a saw or a seasoned Old Growth member, there's a role for you in TC.

🛡️
Safety First
Every TC sawyer trained to current crosscut and chainsaw standards. No shortcuts on the ground.
🪵
Skill Development
A clear path from Seedling to Old Growth, with mentorship built into every level.
🗺️
Real Work
Coordinated projects where volunteer sawyers are genuinely needed — trails, campgrounds, and beyond.
🤝
Open Community
Sawyers, land managers, trail runners, and backcountry users all belong here.
Partner Orgs
DTC CONC SWATS OET FCCW PCTA STA
Join Trailcutters

Pick your level.

Membership supports training resources, project coordination, and the infrastructure that keeps TC's volunteer sawyers connected and in the field.

🌱
Seedling
$25
per year
🪴
Sapling
$60
per year
🌳
Old Growth
$250
per year
Sawyer Levels

Seedling to Old Growth.

A clear, earned progression from your first day with a saw to master instructor. Built around real field experience, not just classroom hours.

01
Seedling
Entry Level
New to trail work. Learning saw safety, tool care, and Leave No Trace. Works under direct supervision on low-complexity projects.
Saw Safety Tool Care LNT
02
Sapling
Developing
Comfortable with crosscut fundamentals. Clears routine blowdowns with minimal supervision. Beginning hazard assessment.
Crosscut Hazard ID Bucking
03
Timber
Proficient
Independent sawyer leading small crews in moderate conditions. Competent with crosscut and chainsaw. Mentors newer sawyers.
Chainsaw Crew Lead Mentorship
04
Old Growth
Advanced
Field leader managing multi-crew projects in challenging terrain. Advanced felling and tension reading. Coordinates with land managers and partner orgs.
Adv. Felling Tension Agency Ops
Trail Projects

Where the work gets done.

TC coordinates with land managers to deploy trained sawyers where the need is real.

Recruiting
Timber+
Ochoco Blowdown Clearance
📍 Ochoco National Forest, OR

Heavy winter blowdown on the North Fork trail system. Targeting 18 miles of ponderosa corridor before summer season opens.

18
Miles
Apr
Start
In Progress
Sapling+
Deschutes Rim Restoration
📍 Deschutes National Forest, OR

Multi-season restoration along the rim trail. Working with USFS to reopen fire-impacted sections to hiking and equestrian use.

34
Miles
Ongoing
Timeline
Planning
Timber+
Blue Mountains Scout Survey
📍 Umatilla National Forest, OR/WA

Survey trip to document blowdown conditions and prioritize clearance ahead of a full summer deployment. Seeking experienced scouts.

60+
Miles Est.
May
Start