The state is shaping a new natural area reserve out of the remnants of a koa forest high on the leeward slopes of Haleakala.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said Wednesday it created the 1,500 acre Nakula Natural Area Reserve to protect what remains of a forest that once covered 40,000 acres from Makawao to Kaupo. It’s the 20th natural area reserve in the islands.

Trampling and grazing invasive mammals like cattle, goats, pigs, and deer and the spread of invasive alien plants have almost entirely wiped out the forest. Logging also destroyed large parts.

The department says the Nakula forest has great potential for recovering as koa trees may rapidly grow in areas fenced off from grazing animals.