Now under contract: TLR’s latest acquisition project: The Silver Mountain Mine and associated patented mining claims
For twenty-six years the Ridgway-based Trust for Land Restoration has been tackling projects state-wide in general and in Ouray County in particular that larger organizations and even local governments are afraid to touch. Our specialty is figuring out legal pathways through the regulatory maze surrounding past mining to allow good conservation and historic preservation to get done. Now we are tackling one of our largest undertakings ever and we need your help.
After eight years of negotiating, TLR has under contract to purchase the Silver Mountain Mine, a block of fourteen mining claims totaling 104-acres in the Red Mountain Mining District; creating a natural open-space park to be donated to the County of Ouray. We now have until next spring to raise the money to complete the deal.
These claims were first identified as important to conserve in 2003 by Bob Risch and the Red Mountain Project. In 2018 TLR re-opened negotiations, and this past August finally succeeded in getting the property under contract. Surrounded by National Forest, the Silver Mountain claims are on the south-facing flank of Brown Mountain, above the Ironton Park cross-country ski trails. They include mixed-conifer/ aspen forest, sloping meadows, freshwater springs, big views, and several historic mining features. Spanning elevations of 10,400–11,400 feet, the landscape provides year-round habitat for lynx, elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion. Brown Mountain Road (CR20) travels through the property, providing 4WD public access, helping make the property popular with hikers, four-wheel-drivers, skiers and snow-shoe enthusiasts.
The total project fundraising goal is $560,000, including the purchase price of $400k, plus costs to place the property into a conservation easement with the Colorado West Land Trust, plus the extensive environmental due-diligence and State agency hurdle-jumping costs a previously mined property requires (the Silver Mountain Mine was operated in the 1890s, the 1920s and 30s, and again in the 1950s). Thanks to a $215k commitment to the project from the State of Colorado’s Idarado Natural Resource Damage Fund, and thanks to pledges made and grants applied for, we are now within sight of our goal, and are asking our trusted supporters to help us reach it.
We have all witnessed increased development in the high country, but only TLR has the know-how to take on the Silver Mountain Mine Acquisition Project. Our key to success has been to stay small, minimize overhead, and maximize donor dollars, relying on a hard-working Board of Directors, volunteers, pro-bono legal expertise, partnerships and supporters like you to complete projects that other non-profits shy away from.
Land conservation, mining-related cleanup, and historical preservation as accomplished by the Trust for Land Restoration is a team effort. Your donations fuel our ability to act. To those of your who have supported us in the past, please accept our sincere thank you for your past generosity, and to thank you in advance for your consideration this year.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE:
Or via US Mail:
The Trust for Land Restoration
PO Box 743
Ridgway CO 81432
The San Juan Mountains are incredibly special. Your dollars keep us working to keep them that way. Thanks for being on our team!
Best Regards,
Patrick Willits
Executive Director
970-626-3236 (O); 970-596-5479 (C)
TLR Board of Directors:
Bob Risch, Board Chair / rischbk@gmail.com / Ouray
Beverly Rich, Secretary / beverlyerich@gmail.com / Silverton
Randy Parker, Treasurer / parkersl1@msn.com / Ridgway
Steve Boyle / s.boyle3329@gmail.com / Ouray
Gary Roberts / elkknoll@msn.com / Ridgway
Mike Nadiak / mpnadiak@gmail.com / Ridgway
TLR Advisors to the Board:
Don Paulson / drpaulsonouray@gmail.com / Los Angeles
Ben Tisdel / tisdel@gmail.com / Ouray
Jenny Hart / jennyinouray@gmail.com / Ouray
Scott Hughes /shughes122@hotmail.com / Red Mountain Mining District
TLR Executive Director
Patrick Willits / patrickwillits@gmail.com / Ridgway / 970-596-5479
In Memoriam
Don Kellogg 1949-2012
TLR Board of Directors 2009-2012
