Burnham
Woods walker
Another workshop facilitation job for me, this one in Louisiana last week. By coincidence, close by to the Masterblaster's stomping grounds, so we got together for a few beers and a chat one night after work.
The main business occupying FS climbers in the piedmont zone of the southeastern states are efforts to recover populations of the red-cockaded woodpecker, federally listed as an endangered species. They climb to construct artificial cavity nesting habitat, and to monitor all manner of RC woodpecker activity.
Pretty interesting work, and a real narrow niche for tree climbers. Some is done under contract, but a large portion is done by FS climbers, too. I was certifying instructors, who in turn train and certify FS climbers. Certs are good for 3 years, so they cycle through fairly frequently.
One thing that y'all who gathered for the redwood climb GTG 3 years ago might be interested in...I showed these instructors the prusik loop backup to a figure 8 rappel and they went for it as enthusiastically as most of you did. They REALLY liked it for aerial rescue. Here's a pic of the setup, for those who may have missed the discussion since.
The main business occupying FS climbers in the piedmont zone of the southeastern states are efforts to recover populations of the red-cockaded woodpecker, federally listed as an endangered species. They climb to construct artificial cavity nesting habitat, and to monitor all manner of RC woodpecker activity.
Pretty interesting work, and a real narrow niche for tree climbers. Some is done under contract, but a large portion is done by FS climbers, too. I was certifying instructors, who in turn train and certify FS climbers. Certs are good for 3 years, so they cycle through fairly frequently.
One thing that y'all who gathered for the redwood climb GTG 3 years ago might be interested in...I showed these instructors the prusik loop backup to a figure 8 rappel and they went for it as enthusiastically as most of you did. They REALLY liked it for aerial rescue. Here's a pic of the setup, for those who may have missed the discussion since.