FARMINGTON – The Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District will lead introduction and advanced GPS classes for hunters, outdoorsman and rescuers later in the month.

Specifically tailored to their needs, the class will teach people how to use a Global Positioning System, expand their GPS skills and avoid expensive, time-consuming and risky mistakes.

The district will also host a compass and map-reading workshop after the GPS introduction class.

It is open to participants in both the intro and advanced classes as well as others who would like to become more astute at map reading.

The introductory GPS class is set for 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Farmington. The compass and map-reading class will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. that Tuesday, also in Farmington.

The advanced GPS class will be held in Farmington from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 25.

Patty Cormier of the Maine Forest Service will conduct the GPS training sessions. Amanda Down-Smith, consulting forester, will conduct the compass and map-reading class.

The Maine Forest Service has 25 GPS units that participants will use for the training. Each class is limited to 25. Cost of each training session is $20, which includes materials and light refreshments.

If a person signs up for both the GPS and map/compass reading, the cost will be $35. Participants should come prepared with bug spray and clothing appropriate for outside weather conditions.

To register, send a check or drop in to the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, 107 Park St. Registration forms are also available on the district Web site, www.franklincswcd.org/index10.html. For more details, call 778-4279.