An Evolutionary Process
Our method for creating a sustainable community is based on an evolutionary method that
seems revolutionary to many. The fact is, it has a long tradition of use.
Project
The Master Plan
The owners intend to develop the property in tune with the fabric of the local community.
The County Comprehensive Plan of Rio Arriba County guided their approach. The Plan’s
emphasis on agriculture fits well with the owner’s goal of creating a sustainable
community. A focus on agriculture is reflected in the Land Use proposal as a result.
Land Use Proposal
Our best estimate of the way things will break down is as follows:
Aerial of Development Area
1. Land for Managed Grazing Program: 2,963 acres
2. Cooperative Land: 1,282 acres
3. Agriculture Zone for Greenhouses: 93 acres
4. Residential Land: 405 acres
5. EcoTourism Land:
Five 25 acres plots (part of cooperative land or open rangeland)
Total 4,743 acres
FURTHER DETAILS:
1. MANAGED GRAZING PROGRAM: 2,963 acres: The entire southern half of the property
(see Maps) and much of the northern half, particularly large pastures, will be managed for
grazing and wildlife habitat. Yellow Hills Ranch intends to
incorporate the Monero Mustangs into its grazing program.
2. COOPERATIVE LAND: 1,282 acres: Each residential parcel will be surrounded by other
“cooperative land”. This is Yellow Hills Ranch land, that grant a perpetual exclusive right of
use for agricultural purposes.
3. GREENHOUSE AND OTHER AGRICULTURE: 93 acres: This land is for an agricultural area
with close access to State Road 112 in the northeast area of the property. This area is set
aside for greenhouses and other agricultural infrastructure.
4. RESIDENTIAL LAND: 405 acres: Residential parcels will each be surrounded by
cooperative land to which each parcel will have an exclusive right of use, as described above
as the “cooperative land.”
5. ECOTOURISM LAND: There are five 25 acre plots that are part of the Cooperative Land.
These are areas for retreat, wildlife viewing, and other activities. Each camp will be light on
the land. There will be minimal infrastructure in a camp like environment.
The Residential Land
This land is a buffer around each residence, a corridor for wildlife, an agricultural amenity
and a productive part of the mix at the Ranch.
Making a decision about the number of residential units, and what price, is critical. These
choices define the character of the community.