Feburary 2001: Since November 2000, a citizens' blockade known as the the "Mattole Free State" has prevented Maxxam/Palco from logging old-growth douglas fir on Rainbow Ridge. The Mattole Forest Defenders include many local residents as well as activists and students; some are permanently stationed at critical locations in the forest and on logging roads, while others travel in and out of the forest ferrying supplies and providing logistical support. Maxxam's choice to not challenge the blockade and the near constant presence of 30 nonviolent Forest Defenders in the wood has effectively shut down their operations for 12 weeks, a Humboldt County blockading record. It was on November 28th that Maxxam/Palco last sent in Columbia helicopter loggers accompanied by Humboldt County Sheriffs to log old-growth douglas fir in the Mattole. Since then Mattole Forest Defenders have moved almost 2 miles up Long Ridge to create the Mattole Free State, a blockade complete with several lock downs, a junked car, a wall of debris and a hanging pod across the road. Forest Defenders have endured some of the harshest Humboldt County winter weather seen in years.