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Greenies Trip Up Jersey Boardwalk Plans

Use of Amazon wood contributes to global warming, activists insist

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 10, 2009 5:44 PM CST
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(Newser) – Tourists swarming New Jersey’s most popular shore this spring probably won’t notice the wooden planks underfoot, but officials and environmentalists have been fighting over them, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Wildwood's plan to import lumber from Brazilian rain forests—for a $3.5 million boardwalk renovation—has angered greenies who say the city vowed to pick environmentally friendly wood.

Wildwood’s mayor says he wanted “to do the right thing” by using American wood, but the wood the city received was inadequate; the supplier said the wood only looked bad, and has been used successfully elsewhere on the Jersey Shore. One shopowner hopes the dispute is settled soon: “We need to be ready when that first tourist sets foot on that boardwalk," she said. "Otherwise, in this economy, we're sunk.”

New Jersey's most popular beach town is about to make a decision that has been criticized by environmentalists around the world, using wood cut from Amazon rainforests to repair its boardwalk.
New Jersey's most popular beach town is about to make a decision that has been criticized by environmentalists around the world, using wood cut from Amazon rainforests to repair its boardwalk.   (Shutterstock)
  (Shutter Stock)
Environmental groups contend the world's tropical rainforests are being wiped out by logging to satisfy demand for this kind of wood.
Environmental groups contend the world's tropical rainforests are being wiped out by logging to satisfy demand for this kind of wood.   (Shutterstock)
Wildwood, voted the state's best beach last summer, will become just the latest of several New Jersey communities that have opted to use highly durable wood from the Brazilian ipe tree.
Wildwood, voted the state's best beach last summer, will become just the latest of several New Jersey communities that have opted to use highly durable wood from the Brazilian ipe tree.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Jan 11, 2009 2:07 AM CST
Wow, who cares if a private company wants to buy "rain forest wood" that's theirs and the shareholders prerogative it's not up to a bunch of GREENIES or the Government to decide. Just like if Bald Eagles tasted like Chicken and people liked to eat them they wouldn't be endangered anymore would they. It's simple high school economics if someone has the means and is willing to pay, someone is going to produce and sell it, Google supply side economics you filthy hippie.
kokuaguy
Jan 11, 2009 12:54 AM CST
Your editors are clearly intent on belittling the environmental movement every chance you get. Belittling those concerned with the Amazon rain forest by labeling them "Greenies" is the last straw. YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kati
Jan 10, 2009 10:02 PM CST
Wildwood must think greener, not only regarding the boardwalk, but it's a start.

Renovations must be done by Easter
CBS 3 Philadelphia

Environmentalists ready for second fight along Jersey shore
Rainforest Relief

Images of the famous Wildwood boardwalk
Wildwoods NJ

US

 
New Jersey • Brazil • rainforest • beach • environmentalists

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