76-16-402. Conversion of temporary permittee lands to dependent commensurate property. (1) When a temporary permit is utilized by a permittee in connection with forage-producing lands owned or controlled by the permittee within or near the state district for a period of any combination of 4 years out of 5, then the forage-producing lands owned or controlled by the permittee may be considered dependent commensurate property and, upon application, the state district may accordingly grant such permittee membership and grazing preference in the state district providing an application had been made for temporary rights for each of the 5 years.

(2) However, temporary permits are privileges granted from year to year, and their possession does not establish a grazing preference right unless a grazing preference right is expressly granted by the state district and in the manner provided in this part.