Take Action: Stop GE Trees

Action Alert – September/October 2020

The US government is considering a request to allow the release of genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) American chestnut trees into US forests. The GE trees could spread from US forests into forests in eastern Canada. Researchers say they will also ask the Canadian government to approve planting this GE tree in Canadian forests.

1. Individuals can fill in the form at the side of this page to send an instant letter to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
2. Organizations are asked to sign the joint statement: “We, the undersigned organizations, oppose the release of genetically engineered trees into wild forests in the US and Canada.” 
3. Do you participate with an environmental group or another group with interest in this issue? Share this information with your group, along with our factsheet on GE American chestnut trees. Please contact us to discuss how your organization or community group can support this important campaign.
4. Scientists are invited to sign the joint statement: “As scientists with relevant background and research experience, we wish to register our opposition to the proposed deregulation of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) genetically engineered (GE) “Darling 58” American chestnut. We believe the release of this GE tree into our forests would be reckless and potentially contribute further to the multitude of threats our forests are already facing. While the stated goal is to restore the American chestnut tree to wild forests, in our view that is highly unlikely to succeed. The risks are therefore not worth taking.”
5. US researchers have asked the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve the release of genetically engineered American chestnut trees into the wild: The USDA is accepting public comments on this proposal until October 19, 2020.

For more information on the GE American chestnut and GE trees see www.cban.ca/trees or contact us.