Covenants are not a viable option for transfer of federally administered land. Besides being contrary to BLM's policy there is no mechanism to enforce once title is passed. The public has expressed the desire to keep the appearance of the east-end ranch house as it exists, have something done soon with the house that was low cost, yet feasible, and explore appropriate commercial uses or partnerships. The east-end ranch house has remained empty since acquisition. Visitor center renovation funds have not been forthcoming.
Future funding appears unlikely.
Although the BLM has completed some upgrade work on the house through its normal annual budget process, more upgrade work is needed. This action also presents an access solution that avoids major highway construction and costs. The present road to the east-end ranch house should be adequate for anticipated traffic under the above scenarios. ODOT would make a determination through its access permit process. A low key, low impact use of the east-end ranch house has a good probability of meeting this requirement.