'The Headwaters' is used by different groups to mean different areas of forest. In this analysis we are using the term to refer to the Headwaters Complex of two stands of old growth (the Headwaters Forest, and the nearby Elk Head Springs stand) and the intervening younger forest. There is also some partially harvested old-growth in the intervening area.
The Headwaters Forest includes the largest stand of old-growth Redwood in private ownership. It comprises some 2,755 acres of old trees, and approximately 1,800 acres of younger forest. Marbled Murrelets are frequently observed flying into the forest, including birds showing "occupied behaviors" (indicative of nesting). Eggshell fragments are also found here.
Elk Head Spring Forest includes 422 acres of old-growth, and approximately 700 acres of younger forest. Marbled Murrelets are again frequently seen in the stand and are known to nest here. An active Murrelet nest was studied in this stand in 1992, the first nest found in Northern California. Elk Head Spring and Headwaters Forests are contiguous at the head of the Elk River drainage. Pacific Lumber owns 33 other stands of old-growth Redwood, scattered throughout the company's ownership (see Map). These stands range in size from 391 acres (Allen Creek) to 2 acres (H-M0). Marbled Murrelets have been detected in some of these stands but not others. To date "occupied behavior" has been seen on 21 of these other stands, comprising 3,121 acres.
No other significant Murrelet population occurs near the bioregion. Farther north in Humboldt county, a significant population is associated with the Redwood National Park. Very few birds are regularly seen in Mendocino County to the south. A small and isolated population also occurs in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.
MAP: Pacific Lumber Company location and adjacent parklands
MAP: Marbled Murrelet conservation areas in the HCP
MAP: Marbled Murrelet habitat and stand occupancy
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