(a) In order to ensure that property acquired under paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 79037 remains on the county tax rolls and in agricultural use to the greatest extent practicable, the acquisition of easements shall be the preferred method of acquiring property interests under that paragraph unless the acquisition of a fee interest is required for management purposes or the landowner will only consider the sale of a fee interest in the land. No acquisition of a fee interest shall be undertaken under paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 79037 until all practical alternatives have been considered by the department.
(b) Any proceeds received from the disposal of a fee interest acquired under this article shall be deposited into the subaccount.