Violent storms can leave trees tangled in power lines, blocking roads and trails. Getting downed trees cleared quickly is crucial to helping New York state communities recover. Nowhere is this more important than in the Adirondacks, where inaccessible roads and snowmobile, hiking, and biking trails not only compromise safety but can also devastate local tourism economies.
Helping those communities improve their response is the Game of Logging program hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Hamilton County.
Prompted by two area county highway superintendents and supported by the Workforce Development Institute, CCE Hamilton began hosting Game of Logging training sessions locally and created a more accessible learning opportunity.
The hands-on training facilitated by CCE equips community members with essential skills-such as safe chainsaw use, precise notching, and storm-specific techniques-to clear obstacles efficiently and safely.
"Game of Logging teaches respect for the chainsaw and each other-making jobs quicker and safer," said trainer Bill Lindloff. By fostering a shared language and confidence among local responders, the program helps open roads faster, reduce trail damage, and protect community members during emergencies.
Since 2022, 200 participants have attended CCE Hamilton's 22 Game of Logging sessions. The most recent training was held at Piseco Community Hall in the Town of Arietta. During the event, all trees felled were on the site of a future pickleball court, with additional trees staged to create complex, sequence-dependent scenarios. Before each cut, Bill had students verbalize their plan and, when safe, learn from mistakes. Participants included members of the Hamilton County Highway Department, DEC staff and private tree services.
"Going through this course, Bill has really taught us how to respect the chainsaw and how to respect each other on the site," said Ben Short, Road Supervisor for the Hamilton County Highway Department. "This training makes the work quicker and safer for everyone."
Beyond Hamilton County, Game of Logging workshops have been hosted by a number of CCE Associations including Columbia-Greene, Wyoming, and Orange county offices.
The locally accessible, high-quality instruction of the Game of Logging program is a hallmark of CCE Hamilton's mission to build community resilience. "We bring people together to ensure accessible, effective learning," said Jamila Page, CCE Hamilton program director. "With this ongoing investment in local skills, Hamilton County is better prepared for future storms-making it a safer place for residents and visitors alike."
