Sec. 4. (a) The state forester or the state forester's designee shall investigate the feasibility of the department entering into arrangements for removal and sale of merchantable timber, taking into consideration the following:
(1) Local market conditions.
(2) Adaptability of terrain for cutting and removal of timber.
(3) Potential hazards to surrounding stands of timber.
(4) Other matters that the department requests.
(b) The state forester or the state forester's designee shall inspect areas in which timber is removed to determine if cutting and removal of timber is conducted in a manner that protects and preserves topsoil and surrounding growths.