There are four options on the table for the state to purchase the Eberts ranch, all of which are included in the House version of a bill approved in committee Thursday.

The bill allows the state to use a combination of funds from various state agencies and federal money to buy the ranch.

One option calls for the entire $3.5 million purchase to be made with funds from the Bank of North Dakota.

There are provisions in the bill that require the land to stay open to grazing, hunting and energy development.

The bill was passed out of the House Appropriations Committee Thursday with a "do pass" recommendation by a vote of 12-10.

Many lawmakers don't like the idea of the state owning more land, but they are concerned that if the federal government buys it, the use of the land will be restricted.

The federal government is currently interested in purchasing a permanent easement.

That easement would not prevent grazing, hunting or energy development, but some lawmakers are concerned the National Park Service could eventually buy the land and put more restrictions on it.

The 5,225-acre ranch is located in the Badlands near where Theodore Roosevelt once had a cabin

The bill is Senate Bill 2145.

(Reach reporter Tom Rafferty at 223-8482 or tom.rafferty@bismarcktribune.com)