The article about private individuals cutting firewood on public lands is a glaring example of Maine’s anti-business climate. (Sept. 21)

The article noted most of these people, who are using chainsaws and skidding wood with all-terrain vehicles, are not using safety equipment. Professional loggers must take a weeklong, $500 certification course to be “safe” to cut trees. Then they are checked periodically, for $100, to confirm they’re working safely.

If not, they must retake the $500 course.

Loggers are required to wear steel-toed boots, chainsaw-resistant chaps, eye and ear protection and a hardhat. This totals about $200. Chainsaws and skidders must be inspected to certify they aren’t fire dangers.

Loggers are told these are needed for safety. But apparently, if people are unpaid to cut trees, there is no danger of being hurt, hit by falling limbs or starting fires.

Since I’m sure Augusta is as concerned about public safety as logger safety, I have one conclusion: Maine doesn’t consider certified logger safety courses or safety equipment necessary for cutting trees.

If so, I agree. Entering the woods with a saw is a matter of personal responsibility. Nobody should pay someone to tell them a chainsaw can cut them, a tree can fall and kill them, or if you don’t file a saw right, it won’t cut well.

Landowners should take notice. The state is leading the way.

All you need is a good, clear contract with a logger.

Carroll Murphy, Sweden