Beluga

by Jackie Bartz Wednesday, January 20, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The debate over the proposed critical habitat areas for Cook Inlet belugas will go public. NOAA is holding several public hearings starting next month. The first hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Soldotna. A hearing will be held Feb. 4 in Homer, Feb. 11 in Wasilla and Feb. 12 in Anchorage. The period for public comment ends March 3.  Comments can also be submitted online. Contact Jackie Bartz at jbartz@ktuu.

by Channel 2 News staff Thursday, January 7, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday it is extending the public comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for Cook Inlet belugas by 30 days. Alaska's congressional delegation requested and received the extension from NOAA. The comment period will now end March 3. NOAA announced plans to establish 3,000 square miles in Cook Inlet -- or about one-third -- as critical habitat on Dec. 1. Cook Inlet belugas were listed as endangered in October.