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Introduction to Pinorealosa by Walt Hatch (1990)

In 1974 a small group of New Mexico residents undertook a project to acquire a remote tract of land in the northern part of the state to hold in a natural state. The property was not to be sub-divided, sold in individual parcels, leased, or in any way encumbered.
To achieve this, Pinorealosa,Inc., a New Mexico Corporation, was established and set about purchasing a tota1 of 2400 contiguous acres near Chama at an altitude above 9000 feet on the USGS Brazos Peak 7.5 minute quad.
Located mostly in the Hudsonian or Subalpine zone below timberline the land receives abundant rain and snowfall, which allows it to support an extraordinary forest of Engelmann spruce, bristlecone pine, and cork-bark fir. Pinorealosa is a member of the American Forest Institute's Tree Farm System which promotes proper, conscientious forest management.
Although the land is owned by Plnorealosa Corporation, shareholders are granted semi-exclusive right of use of designated areas after they execute a license agreement with the corporation. A shareholder is a person, group of persons, or entities owning or contracting to purchase 1/24 of the shares of common stock. The purpose of the license agreement is to ensure compliance with covenants (recorded in the real property records of Rio Arriba County) that define and explain the philosophy of Pinorealosa.
The principal benefit of assigning semi-exclusive areas (lots) to shareholders is to permit the construction of cabins and appurtenant structures that permit more convenient recreational use of the land while maintaining standards that minimize disruption of the natural environment. These areas are approximately 5 to 10 acres in size and may be selected by shareholders from a list of approximately 40 designated sites. A new shareholder is not bound by the lot selection of the selling shareholder if no changes have been made on the selling shareholder's lot. Mutual visual isolation of structures between lots is to be maintained. No business or trade, or any noxious or offensive activity shall be conducted, nor shall anything be done which is an annoyance or nuisance. Off-road vehicle use is prohibited, except for snowmobiles. No live trees may be cut without permission of the Board of Directors of Pinorealosa.
In those cases where the shareholder ownership is held by more than one individual or family, one user will be annually designated as the holder of the semi-exclusive area rights for that year. This user may further designate, in writing, the names of unaccompanied guests for a specified, temporary, period of time. The maximum number of unaccompanied guests shall not exceed six and the number of consecutive days per visit shall not exceed eight. There is no limit to the number or duration of visits by accompanied guests. [Note: the unaccompanied guest provision is NOT included in the current covenants; UNACCOMPANIED GUESTS are thus currently PROHIBITED]
Property tax for any improvements made on a semi-exclusive area shall be paid directly by the shareholder to whom that area is licensed.
Fish and game are natural residents of Pinorealosa property. The taking of both by shareholders is permitted subject to all pertinent regulations of the State of New Mexico and conservation practices to avoid jeopardy to viable populations. The free-flowing streams, while not large, offer trout fishing during the summer months that appeals especially to youngsters. Seasonal game include deer, elk, bear, and grouse. Pinorealosa enjoys a two-elk per year land-owner's permit which is administered by the Pinorealosa conservation officer to insure equitable apportionment of this privilege among all interested shareholders.
No hunting with firearms is permitted on Saturdays or Sundays and on Labor Day except that hunting will be allowed on the second and fourth weekends of each month between September 1st and December 31st on the 800-acre parcel (which contains no cabin sites) and with shotguns only on the 1500-acre parcel. Notwithstanding this provision, users and user's guests may hunt without restriction for elk if they possess a valid elk permit. [Note: Please see the current Hunting and Fishing Covenants that reflect the spirit but not the detail of the above two paragraphs.]
Although the goal of keeping the land in its natural state precludes a community water system (as well as paved roads, community sewer system, central utility system, etc.) it is possible to divert nearby water sources located in the common areas to cabin sites with prior written approval of the Board of Directors. Natural springs are near most areas. Cabin owners have found rainwater cisterns to be adequate for most water needs.
Fire insurance is available for cabin owners at reasonable cost. Liability insurance is carried by the corporation.
Shareholders are permitted to pass upon, encroach or otherwise utilize all semi-exclusive areas for non-permanent purposes such as grazing, hiking, skiing, fishing, etc. However, entering or otherwise affecting any structure on a semi-exclusive area is not permitted. Because only a small fraction of the 2400 acres is set aside for cabin sites the necessity and desirability of other shareholders encroaching upon these areas is limited.
Access to Pinorealosa property is by easement over private land whose owner may deny access to the general public and may require identification of Pinorealosa shareholders and their guests. Pinorealosa fully supports such controlled access.
To date five [Currently 7] of the 24 shareholders have exercised their option to construct cabins. Others are content to exercise their hunting, fishing, and access rights, perhaps camping in different locations. From time to time shareholder memberships become available. Although Pinorealosa as a corporation is not directly involved in establishing resale prices for its shares it does provide, as a convenience to members and potential purchasers, an informational list of any members who have expressed an interest in marketing their shares.
For more information please contact:
Mr. Walter D. Hatch
Los Alamos, NM 87544
January, 1990
[For current information: Contact a Board Member.]

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