The ecology of a primary forest, and a tree farm, are not the same. Besides material use, forests also provide a number of benefits. There are a number of floods which have occured recently in over logged areas which highlight this. Saplings and young trees will not provide resilience to these kinds of natural disasters without being left to mature. Clean water provided by watersheds would be another example of a benefit provided by a healthy primary forest. It is true that natural events also impact forests, but in different ways then logging or damage created by industry. That is why many foresters implement controlled burns. Controlled burns leave nutrients that are required by plants in the understory to mature. Some species of plants actually require the heat to realse their seeds. Forests are also more then trees, they are a system with a number of symbiotic relationships, and modern research is revealing those relationships are more complex then once thought.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Un2yBgIAxYs

I do understand that as a material timber has a number of uses. I just don't know if I agree that the way way industry manages forests is sustainable, at least in Canada. The best mills I worked with were aware of this and were making efforts to find sustainable ways to manage their resources, so they could continue to both keep their natural resources healthy, and their businesses. One of the issues has been the demand for timber often outpaces the amount of time it takes to grow new mature trees, for either ecological or industrial use.

Just as some background regarding my experience within the industry, I have provided a presentation below which is based on the presenters book. The presenter was involved with colleagues I worked with. People within the company I worked with were also involved changing how trees are planted in Canada.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bu-FbqFaFAQ&t=78s

You mentioned you were also involved in the industry. If you feel comfortable talking about it, could your provide some information about your experiences. I am open to other perspectives.