American Chestnut- When will we be able to get seedlings?

[Dieselrider]

I have been hearing that there will be seedling available next fall of the 94% American chestnut that is supposed to be blight tolerant. Has anyone else heard anything like that? What do you suppose the seedlings will cost and will they be available to the public? 

[Ron Wenrich]

The blight resistance has pretty well been bred in with good American chestnut characteristics.  Right now, they are being bred at the nursery outside of Penn State. 

I think you'll find that there will be some sort of pecking order to get seedlings.  The first to try any of these plantings will probably be the state.  Next in line will probably be members of the American Chestnut Foundation.  They're the ones that have financed and volunteered to do all the work.  Lastly will be the public.

I have yet to see anything come out about seedling availability.  I just got my newsletter last week.