John,
        It would not be possible to grow American chestnut trees to mature trees but a good number of them will grow long enough to produce seeds. This is an important part of the efforts to breed blight resistant trees. The American germplasm will be needed for breeding for decades to come.
I would encourage you to grow an American orchard.
Tom Pugel

John Klinkel wrote:

Hi, I am new to the group but damn glad to be a part of it!  I have
always been fascinated by Chestnut trees and I have also wanted to
know; if one were to very carefully manage a small acreage in the
former range of these mighty trees, would it be possible to grow
saplings and raise them to maturity, or is Chestnut blight simply to
pervasive and widespread at this point?  Thanks!!--John.