Wayne Allard: “The Red Mountain project, located in the communities of Silverton and Ouray Colorado, is a top priority for the U.S.…”

“The Red Mountain project, located in the communities of Silverton and Ouray Colorado, is a top priority for the U.S. Forest Service this year. Red Mountain is a 10,500 acre site that is one of the most nationally renowned scenic and historic resources in Southwestern Colorado. Before the Silver Crash in 1893, Red Mountain was a vibrant mining town, home to thousands of miners and their families, living in four communities and working dozens of rich silver mines. Today, the remnants of this community have been designated by Ouray and San Juan Counties as a historical landmark, and just named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 most endangered sites in America. In addition, Red Mountain contains extensive habitat for endangered species as well as other sensitive species. The area offers an abundance of recreation opportunities to one million visitors annually--from hiking, biking and four-wheel driving to cross country skiing and mountaineering.”