Four proposed changes in state logging laws will be aired in public hearings around the state beginning with a meeting in Sandpoint tonight.

The Idaho Department of Lands will conduct a public hearing at the Federal Building, 1500 Highway 2, beginning at 7 p.m.

Another hearing will be held Thursday in Coeur d’Alene. It begins at 7 p.m. in room 233-A of the Hedlund Building at North Idaho College.

Other hearings will follow in Lewiston, Orofino, St. Maries and Boise.

The St. Maries hearing begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. It will be held at the Department of Lands office, 1806 Main St.

The proposed changes include amending regulations affecting chemicals to include petroleum storage as well as bringing them in line with Idaho Department of Agriculture pesticide rules.

Also on the table are additional rules for addressing cumulative watershed effects on forest lands and streamlining requirements of getting a state logging permit.

, DataTimes