San Francisco Wooden Wall Tall Ship Eco-friendly

A US$5-million historic sailing brigantine currently under construction in Sausalito has officially entered the process of earning Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) project certification.

The certification will indicate that the brigantine will be constructed from timber produced with responsible forestry practices. The nonprofit group behind the project, Educational Tall Ship for San Francisco Bay, selected Emeryville-based SCS Global Services (SCS), a leading FSC certifier worldwide, to conduct the independent assessment proving that only FSC certified lumber is used in the hull, decks and cabins.

The 132-foot vessel will be the largest wooden ship constructed in the San Francisco area in nearly 100 years. During construction, the Educational Tall Ship will invite visitors to learn how wooden ships are built. Once launched, she will act as a living laboratory for students to learn to sail a tall ship while studying marine science and ecology.

"By committing to the use of FSC certified timber, the Educational Tall Ship organization has the opportunity to educate thousands of visitors about the environmental benefits of responsible forestry practices being carried out on the west coast," said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice President.

The ship will be built with Douglas fir harvested from FSC certified forests in Mendocino County that was donated by The Conservation Fund, also audited by SCS. FSC certified Oregon White Oak supplied by Sustainable Northwest will be used for rigging parts, hatches, furniture and the rudder. FSC certification ensures that forest management practices protect old growth trees, rivers and terrestrial ecosystems, while avoiding over-logging.  Workers and stakeholders are actively engaged during the certification process.