North Dakota Century Code Title 15. Education § 15-02-05.1. Additional duties of commissioner

In all cases under section 54-01-05.5 involving legislative bills dealing with the sale or exchange of state land, the commissioner of university and school lands may provide the legislative assembly with an assessment regarding the highest and best use of the land involved. As used in this section, “highest and best use” means that use of a parcel of land which will most likely produce the greatest benefit to the state. The commissioner's assessment may include an evaluation of soils capability, vegetation, wildlife use, mineral characteristics, public use, recreational use, commercial or industrial use, aesthetic values, cultural values, surrounding land use, proximity to urban areas, and any other relevant resource, zoning, or planning information.