The wide scale reduction of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) trees due to the exotic pathogen chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) in the Appalachians is one among many examples of human-induced changes to forest tree species composition that affect both ecological values and forest carbon (C) storage. We coupled an established, one-dimensional tree biophysical model (PnET) with a spatially explicit species distribution model (LANDIS) to analyze C, N and soil water dynamics in association with several management options to reintroduce a blight-resistant American chestnut. By doing so, we expect to increase critical knowledge on interactions between species composition, biogeochemistry of forest ecosystems, and climate change.