Iroquois Gas Transmission System, LEAF, LPEP

In March 1989, Iroquois announced the creation of the Land Preservation and Enhancement Program (LPEP). The purpose of LPEP was to fund the purchase or enhancement of important open space and recreational opportunities as a way to provide long-term, lasting benefits to the communities in which the pipeline was located.

Since 1992, Iroquois has helped to preserve more than 12,000 acres of open space along our pipeline route—more than three times the total acreage that was directly affected by construction of the pipeline. From 1992 through 1995, LPEP resulted in the preservation and enhancement of more than 102 nature preserves, open space properties and parks, the creation of 22 new parks, the development of 78 nature trail and public access projects, and the development of 8 environmental education projects—more than 200 projects in all.

Iroquois' successor program to LPEP, the Land Enhancement and Acquisition Fund (LEAF), continues to help communities realize their ideas for preservation of open space and improved recreational opportunities.

One of our 2004-2005 LEAF grants was awarded to The Nature Conservancy to build self-guided trail signage on the Conservancy's Uplands Farm Nature Sanctuary in Cold Spring Harbor. This sanctuary is the administrative office of TNC's Long Island Chapter and its flagship educational preserve on Long Island. The LEAF grant will be used to purchase and design highly visible, interactive guideposts along the preserve's extensive trail system, and will offer tips on nature photography and flora and fauna identification. Also funded is the creation of a comprehensive set of interpretive trail walking guides. The sanctuary offers some 2,500 visitors the opportunity to enjoy and learn about local natural wonders and regularly hosts educational events. Its trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, and the signage will allow visitors to enjoy the preserve at their own pace and on their own schedules.

Iroquois appreciates and understands the value of safety as well. So when a proposal to install IronWood Safety railings at a park in the Town of Manheim in Herkimer County, New York was received, the committee approved its funding in 2003. Installing these maintenance-free safety railings at Faville Falls, a park previously funded by LPEP, enabled the town to ensure the safety of visitors while conforming to the natural rustic surroundings.

Iroquois is proud to contribute to projects such as these, which provide environmental education and land preservation for future generations. Iroquois' LPEP program established the pipeline's continuing commitment to preserving the environment and improve the quality of life in the communities in which pipeline facilities are located. LEAF is further demonstration of this commitment.

Who May Apply:

Local, state and county governments representing pipeline host communities
Environmental organizations and land trusts which are tax-exempt, not-for-profit, proposing projects for, or within, pipeline host communities
Soil and water conservation districts which represent communities along the pipeline route, for projects within pipeline host communities

Eligible Projects:

Enhancement of open space for passive recreational use
Acquisition of property to be preserved as open space
Acquisition of property to provide access to public lands or water resources
Educational projects which foster a better understanding of the environment
Enhancement or development of recreation
Enhancement of wildlife habitat

Submission Process:

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis prior to September 30 of any given year
LEAF Guidelines and Criteria will provide guidance in preparing proposals

LEAF Grants generally range from $5,000 to $15,000, but proposals for open space acquisition or enhancement which exceed this amount will be considered. A LEAF Advisory Committee, composed of volunteers with environmental and planning expertise, assists Iroquois in reviewing project submissions.

For more information on who may apply and which projects are eligible for LEAF funding, download our LEAF Guidelines & Criteria booklet by clicking the image below. Or, contact Ruth Parkins (information below).