USDA Forest Service – San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District purchased three mining claims totaling 31 acres in the Ice Lakes Basin Area approximately 7 miles west of Silverton, Colorado, from a private landowner. Acquisition of the Sun Side Mining Claims enhances recreational opportunities by securing access along the heavily used Ice Lakes Trail, which crosses the property, and ensures protection of the wild, undeveloped view sheds and water sources of Island Lake and the surrounding area. The NFS land surrounding the property is part of the San Miguel Colorado Roadless Area. In addition to improving recreation access and experiences such as hiking, wildlife watching, hunting, and angling, the San Juan NF’s acquisition will conserve potential habitat of the Federally Protected Canada lynx, elk, mule deer and other wildlife species.