Beidler Forest Boardwalk: Tropical Hardwoods for Lasting Sustainability
Timber Holdings has a documented set of systems and procedures in place which includes comprehensive environmental compliance specification language that organizations can rely on. The company's "Green by Nature…Build with Conscience" program uses FSC controlled wood guidelines as a model for its internal systems and procedures, employs third party legal verification where available, and aligns itself with ethical timber producers. "It is this comprehensive approach that gives specifiers like Beidler Forest and Strawberry Plains confidence in using tropical hardwoods even when FSC Certified wood is not available," Lotz said.
Life-cycle benefits of naturally durable hardwoods: Installing a boardwalk over swampy terrain is no easy task. Because the facility remained open during the 13-month construction period, workers had to dismantle the old boardwalk even as they constructed the new one. The boardwalk would not withstand the weight of heavy equipment, so it was all done with manual labor.
"Workers pushed hand carts loaded with Cumaru boards three-quarters of a mile out and hauled the old pine boards back for disposal the same way. Those boards are so stinkin' heavy, they could only haul three or four at a time," recalls Dawson.
"On the bright side, the wood is so strong, we were able to achieve equivalent structural strength and weight-bearing ability as the old boardwalk with less lumber," Dawson said.
What's more, there are life-cycle benefits associated with the use of naturally durable hardwoods. Typically, tropical hardwoods are harvested when they are 50, 60, 70 years old, and that's roughly how long the Beidler Forest boardwalk is expected to last. In other words, the trees that will be used to replace the boardwalk in the future may well be seedlings right now.
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Frequently asked questions
What wood species was used for the Beidler Forest boardwalk?+
Cumaru, a naturally durable tropical hardwood, was used for the Beidler Forest boardwalk.
How long is the Beidler Forest boardwalk expected to last?+
The boardwalk is expected to last roughly 50 to 70 years, which is also the typical age at which tropical hardwoods are harvested.
Why was the Beidler Forest boardwalk built by hand?+
The boardwalk could not withstand the weight of heavy equipment, so all construction was done with manual labor. Workers pushed hand carts loaded with Cumaru boards three-quarters of a mile out and hauled the old pine boards back the same way.
How does Timber Holdings ensure sustainable sourcing of tropical hardwoods?+
Timber Holdings' 'Green by Nature…Build with Conscience' program uses FSC controlled wood guidelines as a model for its internal systems, employs third-party legal verification where available, and partners with ethical timber producers.
What are the structural advantages of using Cumaru for a boardwalk?+
Cumaru is so strong that the new boardwalk achieved equivalent structural strength and weight-bearing ability as the old boardwalk while using less lumber.
Why did Beidler Forest choose tropical hardwoods when FSC-certified wood wasn't available?+
Timber Holdings' comprehensive approach—documented procedures, FSC controlled wood guidelines, third-party legal verification, and alignment with ethical producers—gave specifiers like Beidler Forest confidence in using tropical hardwoods even without FSC certification.