§ 37-294 — Recovery of lands unlawfully held

A. Nothing in this article shall confer any rights upon occupants or lessees of lands who have not executed and received a lease under the provisions of this article.

B. The state land department shall examine into the rights of all persons in possession of state lands, or improvements thereon, or claiming compensation for improvements on the lands. If it is determined that any person is unlawfully in possession of such lands, or is unlawfully claiming compensation for improvements, the department shall bring an action to recover possession of the lands and improvements, or otherwise establish the rights of the state.