All leases, contracts, or other form of holding any interest in any state or public land shall be treated as the private property of the lessee or owner of the contractual or possessory interest; PROVIDED, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect the title of the state or other public ownership, nor shall any lien for assessments or taxes attach to the fee simple title of the state or other public ownership.
RCW 89.30.019