Cypress, Calif. – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announces the expanded platform for its GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) program, along with a new name: Outdoor Access Initiative. Designed to extend support to off-highway vehicle (OHV) users in a wider variety of outdoor activities, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative remains the industry leader in supporting safe, responsible use and open sustainable access to trails and riding areas.
“Yamaha is the leader in supporting our industry and customers on OHV issues as well as conservation, land access and safe, responsible use of ATV and SxS vehicles—whether in recreation, hunting or agricultural settings,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group Vice President. “The GRANT program always has welcomed applications from diverse groups. With this new name, we make it clear that the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative actively encourages the submission of projects that support safe, responsible use of OHVs as well as sustainable access to land for all outdoor enthusiasts.”
Along with a new name, the GRANT program has a new logo and a new website (www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com) showcasing its inclusive scope. Importantly, the requirements for a complete and successful application remain the same.
“The Outdoor Access Initiative recognizes its roots are in addressing the needs of the OHV community specifically,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS marketing manager. “Yamaha has also seen tremendous results from GRANT-funded projects submitted by agricultural institutions as well as hunting and conservation-based groups that benefit not only the specific organization, but all outdoorsmen and women, including OHV enthusiasts. OHVs make the outdoors more accessible to everyone, and the Outdoor Access Initiative can and should help address any challenges to that access.”
The applications for GRANTs in the first quarter 2014 funding cycle represented the broadened appeal of the Yamaha Outdoors Access Initiative with awards being given to an array of OHV interests. More than $95,000 in funding and equipment were awarded to the following organizations:
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Chena River StateRecreation Area
- Cayuna Iron Range Riders – Grove Heights, MN
- Directorate of Morale, Welfare, Family and Recreation: 1st Infantry Division – Fort Riley, KS
- National FFA, Outdoor Recreation Proficiency Award
- North County ATV, NH
- Responsible Recreation Foundation, CO
- Texas 4H Foundation, OHV Safety Education Program
- Tread Lightly! Respected Access is Open Access Campaign
- Wonders of Wildlife, National Hunting and Fishing Day
With the close of the first quarter 2014 funding cycle, two new states—Alaska and Kansas—were added to the geographic footprint of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative bringing the total number of states with GRANT-funded projects to 40.
The 2014 GRANT cycle calendar is available at www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com where riding clubs, outdoor enthusiast associations, land managers and conservationists can also find the current Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines for submission. Yamaha continues to seek qualified projects and applications at local, state and federal levels. The next deadline to submit a GRANT application is Monday, June 30, 2014.
