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Requirements

SHARP Logger Requirements


Core Program


To become a SHARP Logger for the first time, individuals must complete a Core Program. The Core Program will consist of two class sessions. The first session will be offered both on-demand online and in-person. The second session will only be offered in-person and will include field exercises where possible. The Core program will cover the following topics:

  • Sustainable forestry principles and SFI’s work
  • Best Management Practices
  • The US Endangered Species Act, forests with exceptional conservation value, and other measures to protect biodiversity and wildlife habitat
  • Logging safety
  • OSHA regulations, wage and hour rules, and other state and local employment laws
  • Other topics identified by the Virginia SIC and SHARP Logger program

Continuing Education


Each SHARP Logger must complete at least eight (8) hours of approved Continuing Education (CE) credit every two (2) years in order to maintain current SHARP Logger status. These eight credits must include at least one SHARP Logger Update Class every two years. The SHARP Logger Update Class and a variety of other Continuing Education classes will be offered in-person and on-demand online. Continuing Education will address one or more of the following topics:

  • Sustainable forestry principles and SFI’s work
  • Best Management Practices
  • Reforestation, invasive species management, forest resource conservation, aesthetics, and special sites
  • Rare forested natural communities
  • Transportation issues
  • Business management
  • Public policy and outreach
  • Emerging technologies
  • Logging safety
  • Other topics identified by the Virginia SIC and SHARP Logger program

At least four (4) of the CE credit hours within the 2-year period must be either:

  • A Virginia SHARP Logger program, or
  • An approved* formal short course or workshop (Examples: a Forest Landowner Council Short Course, a VFA or Virginia Tech Extension workshop, or a VDOF workshop or field demonstration), or
  • An approved* Adult Education (or equivalent) course from a High School, Community College, or other educational institution (Examples: welding course, computer course, EMT training, etc.), or
  • Any course or program with applied Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) contact hours sanctioned by the Society of American Foresters

The above will accrue one credit hour per participation hour.

No more than four (4) of the CE credits within the 2-year period may be satisfied by either:

  • Service as Board Chairman, Board Member, or local Chapter Chairman of the Virginia Loggers Association; or Board Member of the American Loggers Council,
  • Approved* service as Chair or Member of a significant state or local Committee, Task Force, Board or Commission. (Examples: Forestry Water Quality Task Force, Sustainable Forestry Committee, County Zoning or Planning Commission, Farm Bureau Forestry Committee, Board of Supervisors, etc.), or
  • Approved* formal presentations or tours that promote logging professionalism to state, regional or local groups or organizations. (Examples: presentation to local schools, hosting a group tour of your operation, presentation to civic clubs or local government body, etc.)
  • Membership in the Virginia Forestry Association (VFA) will count for 1 credit hour.
  • Membership in the Virginia Loggers Association (VLA) will count for 1 credit hour.

*To be submitted to SHARP Logger Program Coordinator (or other group or individual selected by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee) for approval. Credit hours per position held or event will be assigned when evaluated. Note that when your SHARP Logger status renews, your CE credits go back to zero, and you must earn 8 more CE credits in the next 2 years. CE credits do not “carry over” if you have earned more than 8.


Example Scenario


A current SHARP Logger with a renewal date of 1/1/2022:

  • On 1/1/2022, has earned a total of 8 or more CE credits and has attended the required SHARP Logger Update Class: Their SHARP Logger status will renew for 2 more years. Their new renewal date will be 1/1/2024. Their CE credits will go back to zero and they will have until 1/1/2024 to earn 8 more CE credits, including another SHARP Logger Update Class.
  • On 1/1/2022, has earned fewer than 8 CE credits or has not completed the SHARP Logger Update Class: Their SHARP Logger status will expire, and they will be dropped from the current SHARP Logger listing. They will no longer be a SHARP Logger, but may regain their status by bringing their total CE credits up to 8 and/or attending the SHARP Logger Update Class before 1/1/2023. Their new renewal date will still be 1/1/2024.
  • If they do not regain their SHARP status within one year after it expires, they will have to retake the entire Core Program if they want to become a SHARP Logger again.