Vermont's Timber Harvesting Training & Certification Program

Vermont’s Timber Harvesting Certification Program (VT-LEAP)

The Vermont LEAP Certification Program (VT LEAP) is Vermont’s leading training and certification program for logging professionals, providing practical education in safety, sustainable timber harvesting, forest stewardship, and business management.

VT LEAP is recognized by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) as a qualified logger training program. Through training and certification, VT LEAP supports logging professionals committed to safe, sustainable timber harvesting, a strong forest economy, and healthy forests for generations to come.

What is LEAP?

VT-LEAP's MISSION: The VT-LEAP program plays a vital role in promoting effective forest management and supporting Vermont's beautiful woodlands. Our mission is to bring together landowners, foresters, and professional timber harvesters in a collaborative effort to boost resilience and promote efficient forest practices, a model that has proven successful for our forests for 35 years. 

VT-LEAP members champion Vermont's local forest products industry but also help safeguard our precious working forests, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.

Professional Loggers Make Stewardship Possible.

Professional loggers play an essential role in the stewardship of Vermont’s forests. In collaboration with landowners and consulting foresters, they implement forest management plans. Their work can enhance wildlife habitats, safeguard water quality, bolster forest resilience, and supply renewable wood products vital to our communities. By certifying and investing in Vermont’s logging professionals, LEAP strengthens the forestry workforce and support so sustainable management practices that ensure healthy, productive forests for future generations.

A Foundation for Professional Growth

VT LEAP certification demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education, workplace safety, and sustainable forest management.

Many Vermont logging and timber-harvesting professionals build on that foundation by pursuing additional training in watershed protection, advanced Acceptable Management Practices (AMPs), long-lasting forest road construction, and other specialized topics offered throughout the year.