Dead and down timber on state land and trees and/or brush growing thereon and which are not suitable for sawing, manufacture or processing, and which are not required for water conservation, may be sold and disposed of by the director of the department of lands for the use of any applicant when authorized so to do by any general or special resolution of the state land board, upon written application being filed therefor, and without necessity of advertising as is otherwise provided by law on sale of state owned timber. The state land board may authorize the cutting and removal of an amount of such material, not to exceed fifteen (15) standard cords by an individual for his personal use as firewood without any payment to the state.