Post

Ozark chinquapin not endangered species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not list the Ozark chinquapin under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The Ozark chinquapin is a medium-sized chestnut tree which once grew to 65 feet, but now rarely reaches heights of more than 30 feet because of chestnut blight which has plagued the tree since 1940. It develops from stump sprouts as well as seeds, but in recent years, new growth is generally from sprouts due to blight.

A private citizen from Oklahoma petitioned for Endangered Species status for the chinquapin in 2004 but an analysis by Fish & Wildlife found the species is currently widespread on both public and private highlands throughout Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. In fact the study found a majority of the trees are on state and federal lands and are being managed to benefit the species.