Lands in an unrestricted district are ordinarily leased by offering them for sale at public auction to the highest and best bidder, as hereinafter explained and in accordance with 19.2.100.25 NMAC et seq. However, such lands may be leased on application without bidding if, in the opinion of the commissioner, the best interests of the trust will be served by so doing.
N.M. Admin. Code § 19.2.100.12