New Mexico Statutes Chapter 19. Public Lands § 19-5-1. Data on nature, character, quality and value of public lands; classification; duties of land commissioner

The commissioner of public lands is hereby authorized to expend, out of the state lands maintenance fund not to exceed $10,000 per annum, for the purpose of obtaining full and complete data as to the nature, character, quality and value of the lands of the state of New Mexico, and their adaptability for grazing, stock farming and agriculture. And the commissioner of public lands is further authorized to classify the lands of the state as mineral bearing, or otherwise, and to ascertain the possibilities of the state's mineral land for development in the production of coal, petroleum or other minerals therein contained. The commissioner of public lands is further authorized to ascertain what lands of the state contain merchantable timber and procure data with respect to the state's timberlands which will be available for the information of intending or prospective purchasers.