Challenges in Restoring the American Chestnut
September 2, 2022
University researchers in New York are nearly ready to start sowing in the wild genetically engineered American chestnut trees, once widespread in Appalachian forests but nearly wiped out by an imported fungus. Gaining federal approval is now their biggest challenge. In Issues, the philosopher Evelyn Brister examines ecological, cultural, economic, and metaphysical aspects of such genetic restoration efforts. Critics raise valid points to be considered, she writes. But, she concludes, “it’s likely that maintaining healthy forests will require not only the use of genetic technologies to modify tree species, but also to control the pests that are killing them.”