SHARP Logger

SHARP Logger: Modernizing Virginia’s Sustainable Forestry Training Platform

The SHARP Logger Program Modernization project is a collaboration between the Center for Geospatial Information Technology (CGIT) and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to redesign and enhance the digital infrastructure supporting Virginia’s sustainable forestry workforce.

The Sustainable Harvesting and Resource Professional (SHARP) Logger Program provides essential training and certification for loggers, foresters, and natural resource professionals in safe, environmentally responsible timber harvesting. Through this modernization effort, CGIT is transforming the program’s existing website and database into a fully integrated, mobile-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) that improves accessibility, automates recordkeeping, and streamlines the certification process for users across Virginia.

Purpose and Vision

The SHARP Logger Program plays a critical role in supporting Virginia’s forest industry by ensuring that all harvesting operations meet high standards of safety, professionalism, and environmental care. The modernization initiative—led by CGIT—brings the program’s digital infrastructure in line with modern web standards, improving the user experience for both participants and administrators.

The redesigned platform unifies training, registration, and recordkeeping under a single, easy-to-use system. By digitizing certification tracking and renewal processes, the new LMS minimizes administrative overhead while allowing participants to easily access training modules and manage their credentials from any device.

Key Features

• Integrated LMS: Combines registration, coursework, and certification tracking in one secure system.

• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensures full functionality and accessibility across devices.

• Automated Credit Tracking: Streamlines continuing education unit (CEU) management and renewal notifications.

• User Dashboard: Provides personalized access to course progress, history, and certification status.

• Administrative Tools: Simplifies management for program coordinators, with automated reporting and data export features.

• Sustainable Forestry Focus: Reinforces training in best practices for safety and environmental responsibility.

Impact

The modernization of the SHARP Logger Program enhances Virginia’s leadership in sustainable forestry and workforce development. By improving access to certification and training, the platform ensures that loggers and forestry professionals can easily stay current with safety and environmental requirements—supporting both individual career growth and the long-term health of Virginia’s forests.

This transformation also streamlines program management for VCE staff, providing real-time visibility into participation metrics, training records, and certification renewals. The new SHARP Logger system ultimately strengthens the link between education, compliance, and sustainability within the state’s forestry sector.

CGIT’s Role

CGIT designed, developed, and implemented the new SHARP Logger platform using Django, PostgreSQL, and modern web frameworks within Virginia Tech’s Ensemble CMS. The system integrates dynamic database management, secure authentication, and a responsive front-end optimized for accessibility. CGIT continues to collaborate with Virginia Cooperative Extension to maintain, refine, and support the platform as new training needs and technologies emerge.

Explore the program: SHARP Logger Program