Christian Messier is Scientific Director of the Institute of Temperate Forest Sciences (ISFORT), Université du Québec en Outaouais, Québec, Canada. His research interests are broad, ranging from the life cycle of trees to developing decision-making tools to better manage large forest holdings. His research has brought him to study various biomes across the world. He holds a research chair on tree growth, and has published more than 150 referee journal papers and book chapters.  Klaus J. Puettmann is Edmund Hayes Professor in Silviculture Alternatives in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, USA. He has been working on numerous projects related to regeneration and stand density management, with a special focus on utilizing a better understanding of ecological relationships in developing new silvicultural approaches. He works in cooperation with scientists from Europe and North America, and has published more than 60 referee journal articles in North American and European forestry and ecology journals.  K. David Coates is a senior Research Silviculturist with the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations in Smithers, Canada. He has 30 years of experience in research and silvicultural application in northern British Columbia including at least 50 scientific and technical publications.