The Chesapeake Bay is one of our nation's most precious natural resources, and it is important that it be restored and protected from future pollution. It is encouraging that part of the reason for the delay of Maryland's plan to restore the bay is that there was a huge public response to the first draft ("Maryland late with Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan," Nov. 29). The government is listening. Now Gov. Martin O'Malley and his administration need to be held accountable for creating a good plan that will actually insure the preservation of the bay for generations to come.

I urge the public to contact the gtovernor again and let him know how the government is doing on the bay cleanup effort. The health of the bay is critical for the health of us all.

Kaitlyn Hinten, Washington