77-1-613. Administrative costs associated with sale of timber from state trust lands. (1) The department may use funds appropriated from the trust land administration account provided for in 77-1-108 for timber sale preparation, documentation, administration, and contract harvesting costs.

(2) In order to increase the volume of timber sold at the earliest possible time while continuing to meet the requirements of applicable state and federal laws and in order to avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs that would result from increasing its permanent staff, the department may contract for services that will enable achievement of the purposes of this section and that will achieve the highest net return to the trusts.

(3) To maximize overall return to the trusts, the timely salvage of timber must be considered. However, salvage timber sales may not adversely affect the implementation of green timber sales programs conducted pursuant to 77-5-201.