The American chestnut was once a common and abundant tree species that occupied 200 million acres in the eastern hardwood forests of North America. The species had a cultural significance and was a keystone species, providing wildlife with food and habitat sources. Two nonnative pathogens led to the chestnut's extirpation in the 20th century, but efforts are underway to conserve and restore this iconic tree. The USDA Forest Service, The University of Tennessee, and other partners showcase their research on the American chestnut, a species that was extirpated by a nonnative pathogen that causes chestnut blight disease. Over 4,000 hybrid chestnuts that were bred for blightresistance were planted on three national forests (including the George Washington and Jefferson NF) since 2009, and research is still ongoing.

Provided by the US Forest Service
Original Footage For Parts 1 & 2 Here: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/video/res...

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/video/res...