Dear Editor: On Dec. 18, 2003, the Ouray Ranger District published a press release announcing the purchase of an 806-acre parcel of mining claim in the Ironton valley. The second paragraph read: “This land is one of the crown jewels in the Red Mountain area,” said Forest Service District Ranger Jim Free. “It has world class mountain views, outstanding ecological, recreational and historical values. Now we have a great opportunity to manage it in the public interest.”