The department may, subject to the provisions of this article contract for the selective cutting and sale of timber on any lands held by the department on behalf of its Wildlife and Freshwater Fish Division. No contract for such cutting and sale shall be entered into and no timber shall be cut or sold unless the board decides that the cutting and sale of such timber is for the best interests of the department and the improvement of its lands, by reason of thinning the timber, harvesting the over-age trees and improving general forestry conditions. Prior to selling or cutting any such timber the matter shall be submitted to the State Forester, who shall investigate the propriety of making such cutting and shall have the timber cruised and an estimate of the value made. If the State Forester finds that the sale is not in keeping with good forestry practices or will adversely affect the remainder of the timber, the sale shall not be made.