Dear Friends,
What an exciting year it has been! As many of you know, the Pecos River Ranch is creating a public/private partnership that concurrently showcases multicultural vitality and sustainable living principles and design, engaging visitors in a learning experience that fosters and renews appreciation, knowledge and environmentally responsible action. Much like the Smithsonian Institution model, our project will be devoted to an educational and research program centered on the marriage of science and art and will act as a site for a public park and art space and a private eco-community echoing the vital themes of sustainability and conservation. This unprecedented concept and ideal location ensure that a unique, inspiring, and transformative experience is readily available to all. As Andy Warhol said, “Land really is the best art.”
Private Cooperative Living:
The keystone of the project is a private eco-community cooperative that exemplifies our foundation for sustainable living and establishes New Mexico as a world-class model for progressive community living. We are offering the opportunity to live in a habitat of inspiration where your backyard is a stunning wilderness and your lifestyle becomes a working model of future living standards. The first phase of the eco-development will be located within a 60-acre pocket of the ranch, housing 30-60 home sites nestled within an approximately 1000-acre conservancy. We are looking for the right people who share these common values to become a part of this exclusive and integral community. We are starting a conversation with friends on selling parcels coded for green building above LEED standard.
Wildlife Sanctuary & Animal Park:
This 6000-acre (9.375-square-mile) ranch is set amidst a stunning nature conservancy only 30 minutes outside Santa Fe and is renowned for its natural habitats, wilderness, and abundant wildlife. We are currently in dialogue with the Governor and the State of New Mexico in exploring the possibility of State funding for a wildlife rehabilitation center. So too, we are working with Doctor Kathleen Ramsay of the Espanola Wildlife Center regarding the development of a large mammal facility on the ranch – the seed for our long-term goal of a wildlife sanctuary and wild animal park.
Living Art Space:
The Governor has requested a feasibility study on the creation of a contemporary art museum on ranch land.
We have also been in dialogue with the Smithsonian Institution's Contemporary Art Museum: the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, regarding a research-based project and artist-in-residency program.
We have handshakes for long-term art loans with the Hirshhorn as well as with other institutions including the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
We have hosted many local and international artists on the property who recognize the singular beauty and potential of the land, including local artists Tom Joyce and Terry Allen, renowned artist Roxy Payne, the land artist Andy Goldsworthy and the actor and playwright Sam Shepard. We have many pledges for future involvement.
State-Owned Railroad Access:
The Rail Runner parallels the Pecos River Ranch, and we have had preliminary discussions with the Governor on the feasibility of a future railway stop. Rail runner access jump starts the ranch as an international destination and enhances the project's sustainability, making our art initiative global in scope.
We hope our project interests you and that you wish to become involved. Please consider becoming part of our community and, if interested, please schedule a time to visit the ranch and experience, in person, the land's beauty and potential. Join our diverse and dedicated alliance of supporters and investors to make this exciting vision a reality and to become part of an invaluable and rare opportunity. Please feel free to contact us for more information or with questions or comments. We will be contacting you to follow up and discuss your participation and look forward to speaking with you!
Sincere Regards,
Val Kilmer and the Pecos River Ranch Team
Grant Hayunga, Artist/Conciliar
Pam Sawyer, Ranch Manager
Phil Howes, Game & Fish Warden
If you have an interest in participating in this project, please send your contact information to
valshelpers@hotmail.com