Canadian Chestnut Council

Mr Ron Casier, the CCC’s Liaison Officer to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, received a reply from the Minister as follows:

21 August, 2009

Dear Mr Casier:

Thank you for your letter regarding an agreement under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA).  I am pleased that the Canadian Chestnut Council (CCC) is planting American chestnut within and outside of its native range as well as supporting efforts in the hope of achieving blight resistance.

The activities involving the hybridization of American chestnut with other Castanea spp. are consistent with the thinking of the American Chestnut Recovery Team.  We believe that in order to effectively recover the species, it is necessary to continue to investigate the potential of these hybridization efforts.  As a result, an agreement under the ESA for these activities would allow the CCC to remain compliant while undertaking further research into blight resistance.

The out-planting chestnut seedlings within and outside its native range by the CCC is also consistent with the thinking of the recovery team. 

These activities can also be included in the agreement, provided that they contribute to the protection of the species.

The agreement would include authorization for any of the activities involving pure American chestnut such as the backcrossing of hybrid trees to pure American chestnut trees, the inoculation of American chestnut trees with chestnut blight serum and the out-planting of American chestnut seedlings both within and outside their native range.

In all likelihood, this agreement will be time limited, with requirements to report back to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on the effectiveness of the approaches outlined in your letter of June 12, 2009.  The activities would be evaluated by MNR over time to ensure that they continue to be consistent with the goals of the ESA for the protection and recovery of the American chestnut.

I would like to suggest that you continue your discussions with Ron Gould, Aylmer District Office’s Species at Risk Biologist, in order to draft the content of an agreement.  Mr Gould can be reached at (519) 773-4745 or ron.gould@ontario.ca.

I appreciate the efforts of the CCC in working toward protection and recovery of the American chestnut species.  Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

(signed) Donna Cansfield

Minister of Natural Resources