PUBLIC LANDS - The Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests will release proposals for revising their forest plans Thursday, triggering a 60-day public comment period.

The joint project encompasses nearly 5 million acres in northcentral and northeast Washington.

National forests update their land management plans every 15 years.

Comments on the proposals will be accepted through Aug. 29.

Alternatives for a draft environmental impact statement should be released around June 2012, forest officials said.

Public meetings on the proposals are being scheduled in the next few weeks.

Hard copies of the document will be available for viewing at forest service offices and public libraries. 

The proposals and a list of meetings will be will be posted on the project web page.