Current SHARP Logger Newsletter

February 2026 SHARP Logger Newsletter (pdf)

Februrary 2026 SHARP Logger Newsletter (video)

 

New SHARP Logger Website

The new SHARP Logger website launched just before Thanksgiving 2025. The URL remains the same: SharpLogger.vt.edu. Some of the page addresses, like Online Training, have changed, but you can get to them from the homepage and replace your bookmarks as needed.

Searching for current SHARP Loggers should be easier and more accurate. When you find your entry, you can click on your name to bring up your recent training history. This will tell you whether or not you have completed the required Update Class, and which online classes you have already taken and cannot take again during your current renewal cycle. Your total number of credits is also displayed; you need 8 total for renewal. If you do not show up in the online listing, either your status has expired or there is a mistake. Contact the SHARP Logger program for help.

In-person classes are listed on the Traditional Training page. Core classes are listed near the top of the page. CE classes are listed below that on three different tabs (computer) or dropdowns (phone/tablet). The first is the required SHARP Logger Update Class, the second is other CE being offered by the SHARP Logger Program, and the third is other opportunities that we have heard about and approved for credit.

Like the old website, you can click on each in-person class to get more information. Now, instead of the information opening in a PDF flier, it opens on a webpage. The map is interactive, allowing you to get driving directions. We are working on making the page more printer-friendly, but PDF and hardcopy fliers are still available from the SHARP Logger office if you find that easier to use.

The Online Training page also uses tabs (computer) or dropdowns (phone/tablet): one-credit SHARP classes, the 2024-2025 Online required Update Class, MALT webinars, and other online training that we have approved for credit. You can take the 2024-2025 Update until we replace it with a 2026-27 version.

We continue to work to make the website as user-friendly as possible. We welcome feedback about what would work best for you, and ask you to be patient while we learn to use this new software.

2025 Year in Review

In 2025, the SHARP Logger Program offered four Core programs (in Patrick County, Alberta, Clifton Forge, and Saint Paul). At these programs, 68 people received SHARP Logger standing for the first time, and 31 people had their expired status restored. The required SHARP Logger Update Class was offered in-person 11 times and remains available online on-demand. A total of 740 people received credit for at least one SHARP class in 2025. Almost half of the 550 people with 1/1/2026 expiration dates met the renewal requirements on time. We are working on getting new cards out to these folks. Since January 1st, many people have finished their CE and earned renewal. We appreciate the support of everyone who made the SHARP Logger Program successful in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2026

This year, we look forward to seeing many of you in April at the Richmond Logging Expo in Doswell. Make sure to come by our table in the main exhibit room to sign in and receive 2 CE credits. We are also looking forward to the VLA’s annual meeting in Williamsburg in August. We will be posting a 2026-27 version of the online SHARP Logger Update Class soon, but you can get credit for taking the 2024-25 version until then. One of our main goals for the new version will be lower bandwidth requirements. Do you have ideas for what you’d like to see in 2026? Let us know at SharpLogger@vt.edu or 540-231-6494.

Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices Manual

In July, VDOF released the newest edition of their BMP manual. The new book replaces both the old manual and the old pocket guide with a single, medium-sized resource.

Practices described and illustrated in the manual are the gold-standard against which harvests are measured. Copies will be available at all SHARP Logger Core and Update Classes, and from DOF water quality personnel.

2025 State of the Forest

The Virginia Department of Forestry has released their 2025 State of the Forest. This 36-page, full-color report has information on Virginia’s forests and VDOF’s programs.

Of particular interest is the Water Quality Protection program. From 7/1/24 to 6/30/25, VDOF performed 13,886 inspections on 3,232 harvests. Inspectors issued 80 law enforcement actions or special orders; this was down from 110 the year before. Audits of the previous year’s harvests demonstrated a 95% BMP implementation rate statewide and fewer than 3% of tracts with significant risk or active sedimentation. VDOF was also able to cost-share 53 projects, awarding over $450,000 to loggers for temporary bridge crossings and other BMPs.

The State of the Forest report also contains information about DOF’s emergency response, forest health, working land conservation, and tree planting efforts, as well as the ways they support and celebrate forest industries and the 108,000 people employed in the forestry sector. 

Past "News and Upcoming" information can be found in Explore\Resources

 

last updated 2/7/2025