(1) Upon written notice to the commissioner of general services, given by the state archaeologist, the commissioner shall reserve from sale any state lands, including lands forfeited to the state for nonpayment of taxes, on which sites or artifacts are located or may be found; provided, that the reservation of such lands from sale may be confined to the actual location of the site or artifacts.
(2) When such site or artifacts have been explored, excavated, or otherwise examined to the extent desired by the division of archaeology, the state archaeologist shall then file with the commissioner a statement releasing such lands and permitting the sale of such lands.