The article "The forgotten stage of forest succession: early-successional ecosystems on forest sites" by Mark E. Swanson et al. highlights the ecological importance of early-successional (ES) forests, which develop after stand-replacing or partial disturbances. These ecosystems are characterized by high species diversity, complex food webs, and structural complexity, with a focus on plant communities and the roles of various organisms. The authors emphasize that ES forests are often overlooked in forestry and ecological studies, despite their significant contributions to ecosystem processes and biodiversity. They discuss the biological legacies left by disturbances, such as standing dead trees and downed wood, which provide resources for surviving and colonizing organisms. Traditional forestry practices, such as clearcutting and post-disturbance logging, can reduce the richness and duration of ES forests, while activities like tree planting can limit their duration. The article also explores the spatial heterogeneity and environmental conditions in ES forests, the diverse plant and animal species that thrive in these ecosystems, and the ecological processes they support, including nutrient cycling and hydrologic regulation. The authors advocate for the integration of ES forests into forest management and conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecological functions.The article "The forgotten stage of forest succession: early-successional ecosystems on forest sites" by Mark E. Swanson et al. highlights the ecological importance of early-successional (ES) forests, which develop after stand-replacing or partial disturbances. These ecosystems are characterized by high species diversity, complex food webs, and structural complexity, with a focus on plant communities and the roles of various organisms. The authors emphasize that ES forests are often overlooked in forestry and ecological studies, despite their significant contributions to ecosystem processes and biodiversity. They discuss the biological legacies left by disturbances, such as standing dead trees and downed wood, which provide resources for surviving and colonizing organisms. Traditional forestry practices, such as clearcutting and post-disturbance logging, can reduce the richness and duration of ES forests, while activities like tree planting can limit their duration. The article also explores the spatial heterogeneity and environmental conditions in ES forests, the diverse plant and animal species that thrive in these ecosystems, and the ecological processes they support, including nutrient cycling and hydrologic regulation. The authors advocate for the integration of ES forests into forest management and conservation efforts to maintain biodiversity and ecological functions.