American Chestnut Foundation: Tallest known American chestnut tree discovered in Lovell forest
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The American Chestnut Foundation says the tallest known American chestnut tree in North America has been found in a forest in southwestern Maine.
The Portland Press Herald reports (http://bit.ly/1PuF2oR ) the nonprofit conservation group said Tuesday that foresters with the Maine Forest Service and the University of Maine measured the tree in Lovell at 115 feet. The next-tallest American chestnut tree is about 20 feet shorter.
An official measurement was to take place Wednesday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The tree is located on land donated to the University of Maine Foundation by the family of painter Douglas Volk.
A fungal pathogen has been deemed responsible for the decimation of the tree across the country. It's estimated that only a few dozen large chestnut trees are left standing in Maine.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com