As used in the Natural Heritage Conservation Act:
A. "committee" means the natural lands protection committee;
B. "conservation entity" means a private nonprofit charitable corporation or trust authorized to do business in New Mexico that has tax-exempt status as a public charity pursuant to the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that has the power to acquire, hold or maintain land or interests in land;
C. "conservation project" means the acquisition of conservation or agricultural easements from a willing seller or a land restoration project;
D. "department" means the energy, minerals and natural resources department;
E. "fund" means the natural heritage conservation fund; and
F. "qualified entity" means a state agency, a state educational institution named in Article 12, Section 11 of the constitution of New Mexico, a political subdivision of the state or, for conservation projects wholly within New Mexico, an Indian tribe or pueblo.