The New Mexico Land Office has discontinued a program that thinned forests and gave away free wood – saying it was a waste of tax payer money and an ineffective program.

It not only was it not working, but it was a hindrance, and very expensive, according to Land Commissioner Ray Powell.

The cost of the program was $600,000 over eight years. Powell said some years, only about 100 acres were thinned, and often that was by custodial staff from the main office in Santa Fe.

The State Land Office is in charge of leasing state owned land to generate revenue for education.

Powell pointed out that $75,000 – the cost of running the program for one year -- is two teachers salaries for one year.