Kathleen Holland, Director of the New Canaan Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Department, received the 2009 award for "Wetlands Director of the Year" at the Connecticut Association of Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commissions (CACIWC) 32nd annual meeting and environmental conference in Wallingford, Connecticut on November 14, 2009.

Ms. Holland was recognized for her development and implementation of a comprehensive multiple objective plan to improve the organizational efficiency and visibility of her department and its role within town government and the community. Ms. Holland developed an Applicant Check List for new permits, extensions, transfers and modifications that has been widely complemented. She works with the town attorney to review state regulations and was instrumental in creating and establishing a Wetlands Enforcement Ordinance that enables the town to analyze, assess, and collect fines.

Ms. Holland also ensured that her department is readily available to assist the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission with its activities, including site walks, conducting an average of 3-4 per month. The Commission can always count on Ms. Holland and her department to provide comprehensive background and analysis on all applications to enable them to make sound and binding decisions. Ms. Holland first joined the town in 1989 as Assistant Inland Wetlands Agent before becoming Department Director in 2001. She has a BS degree in Environmental Health, previously worked with the Westport/Weston Health District, and takes pride in having attended all major DEP training programs offered since 1989.