Thanks for responding, Guy and George. I was doing some initial research and was led to the same information that you relayed, George. I was hoping something was available on the commercial scale as I see some nurseries are selling the hybrid chestnuts and such. Wow, George, I didn't realize you put such an investment into your trees.
As a follow-up, I spoke with the Illinois state forester yesterday and he had some interesting information to share. He is not supporting any chestnut planting at this time (in Illinois, that is). He believes that current research is on the verge of getting 100% or near 100% resistance in the next year or two. He does not support planting any non-native trees (Chinse chestnut or highbrids) and feels that planting sub-resistent trees is not beneficial to the overall cause.
The reason I was asking is part of my employment is organizing and conducting an annual tree sale. This is not a fundraiser but an effort to provide resource conservation leadership and provide trees at a very low cost to provide the initiative to plant. My input on this definately is incorporating permaculture ideas and endorsing native tree plantings. I was really hoping to offer chestnuts both on their own and also as part of a "fruit and nut" pack to provide wildlife and livestock forage. Ho-hum, the show must go on, but it doesn't look like American will be part of this quite yet...
"Knowledge is power. Arm yourself."