Headwaters Forest Reserve preserves a rare old-growth coast redwood ecosystem near Humboldt Bay in Northern California, including ancient trees, recovering timberlands, wildlife habitat, and important watersheds. Established in 1999 after a 15-year campaign against clearcutting, it became the largest area of old-growth redwoods protected through those protests. By the late 20th century, logging under Pacific Lumber after Maxxam, Inc. took over had cut much of the forest, built roads, and damaged stream systems, while untouched sections remained comparatively pristine. The reserve also contains the historic town of Falk and protects species such as the marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, and coho salmon.