It shall be the duty of the forest, wildlife and range experiment station of the state of Idaho to institute and conduct investigations and research into the forestry, wildlife and range problems of the forest lands of the state; to conduct cooperative investigation and research with the board of land commissioners, the state fish and game commission, the Idaho department of agriculture, other schools and colleges of the University of Idaho, and with other departments and branches of the state government when mutually beneficial; with forest protective associations and with private individuals and agencies; with farm bureaus of the state and with the county agents; and to cooperate in investigation and research with the United States government and its branches, as a land grant institution, or otherwise, in accordance with their regulations.