The Conservation Department operates under the town Conservation Commission, which consists of 10 volunteers…More appointed by the first selectman.</p> <p>The Conservation Department reviews development applications to determine their impact on wetlands, regulates 7,000 parcels of property that are near wetlands and watercourses, manages 1,173 acres of town-owned open space, facilitates environmental improvements, administers a marsh restoration program, and serves the town Shellfish Commission in its effort to improve public access and opportunities for recreational and commercial shellfishing in Fairfield.</p> <p>The Conservation Department's budget in 2009-10 is $1 million.</p> <p>The Conservation Department is located on the second floor of the Honorable John J. Sullivan Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Road.</p>