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Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition Forest Operations Immersion Training Program

Next offering begins March 30th, 2025!

Forest Operations Immersion Training Program

The Forest Operations Immersion Training Program will prepare participants for forestry operations and equipment maintenance careers. During this six-week, 240-hour experiential certificate program, participants gain experience with forestry practices while operating and maintaining equipment used for tree felling, merchandising, and forest road construction. Participants also receive 5 college credits from UW-Stevens Point that can be applied toward a future forestry degree. The program is based at the Treehaven field station near Tomahawk, Wis.

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Treehaven | Tomahawk, Wis.

Apply Now: Forest Operations Immersion Training

Mar. 30-May 9, 2025

The Wisconsin Forestry Center is now accepting applications for the spring 2025 offering of the Forest Operations Immersion Training Program. This six-week full-time training will be March 30-May 9, 2025, at Treehaven near Tomahawk, Wis. The training features hands-on learning and skill development in forestry equipment operation and maintenance, with instruction from industry experts. Enrollment is limited to a cohort of 10 participants. Apply by midnight CT on December 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received; apply early for the best consideration. Preference will be given to Wisconsin residents; applicants must be U.S. residents.

In-state tuition and fees, lodging, and meals are covered at no cost to students. This program is supported by a Workforce Innovation Grant awarded to the Wisconsin Forestry Center from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Participants will be responsible for other expenses (i.e., travel to the program, appropriate clothing and shoes, school supplies, etc.).

Apply by Dec. 31, 2024

FOREST OPERATIONS IMMERSION TRAINING

Industry professionals and UW-Stevens Point staff serve as instructors.
40 hours

Forestry Concepts

Participants will explore forestry basics, including tree ID and biology, compass/map reading and public land survey, forest management and silviculture, forest and tree measurements, and forest harvesting systems.

40 Hours

Forestry Equipment Maintenance Overview

Participants will receive an overview of forestry equipment maintenance, including hydraulics, DC electrical, and welding. Skills will be developed in the industrical mechanical facilities at Nicolet College in Rhinelander.

160 hours

Forestry Equipment Operations

  • Hand felling and log merchandizing with chainsaws
  • Harvester and forwarder operations with Ponsse simulators and equipment; tractor, log bunk, and skid steer operation.
  • Equipment operation used in forest road construction and maintenance, including Case excavators, dozers, and wheel loaders.

TRAINING LOCATION

The immersion training program is based in the heart of the Northwoods, at the new Forestry Advancement Center at Treehaven, a UW-Stevens Point field station near Tomahawk. Lodging and meals are available on-site.

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

Thank you to the following companies for their in-kind support:

For More Information

Keith Turnquist

  • Workforce Development Program Manager
College of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Forestry Center
715-346-2066