The Campaign to Stop GE Trees
Genetically engineered trees pose risks of contaminating forests, damaging ecosystems and harming communities
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Latest News
Release: Web Conference to Discuss the Closing of the USDA’s Public Comment Period
Media Advisory For Immediate Release: 13 October 2020 WHAT: Web Press Conference to discuss the closing of the United States Department of Agriculture’s public comment period on the deregulation of a genetically engineered American Chestnut tree to be released in the...
For Immediate Release: Environmental Groups Representing Millions Oppose Request to Allow Planting of Genetically Engineered Trees in Forests as USDA Opens Public Comment Period
For Immediate Release 10 September 2020 New York–On 18 August the long-awaited public comment period regarding possible deregulation of the genetically engineered (GE) American chestnut tree opened. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving the public until...
The Enviro Show Interviews Anne Petermann & Rachel Smolker
Greetings Earthlings. Perhaps you're familiar with the plight of the American Chestnut tree? It's a long sad tale and it may get even sadder soon. Dr. Rachel Smolker and Anne Petermann of the Campaign to STOP GE Trees join us to see the forest for the trees during...
The goal of the campaign is to protect native forests, and to defend the rights of forest dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples from the unknown and irreversible risks of releasing genetically engineered (GE) trees.
WHAT ARE GE TREES?
Trees are being genetically engineered for traits such as faster growth, and disease resistance.
GE TREE NEWS
Catch up on recent news, events, articles and education resources about GE trees.
TAKE ACTION
It’s time to mobilize! You can help end the threat of genetically engineered trees.
GE TREES RESOURCES
Arm yourself with information about GE Trees (also called GM Trees)
Sign the Petition
Add your name to stop US government approval of the widespread release of genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) American chestnut trees into our forests. The risks are huge.
If approved, these GE trees will spread their pollen and seeds freely. This would be the first GE forest tree released in the US, opening the floodgates to others.
It would also be the first-ever intentional release of a fertile genetically modified organism (GMO) into wild ecosystems, opening the door to other uncontrollable GMO releases.
Engineers think they can (re) create nature in the lab, but neither trees nor any species can be replaced by with GE facsimiles. Decades of progress to restore wild American chestnut trees would be lost. This is not restoration, but a dangerous open-air experiment.
There are no long-term risk assessments of this plan and scientists warn such assessments are not possible. American chestnuts can live hundreds of years and have deeply intertwined relationships with other trees, and with insects, songbirds and other wildlife.
Join individuals and organizations across the world in demanding the rejection of genetically engineered trees. We cannot allow this kind of dangerous experimentation with our forests.