Cypress, Calif. – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced it is contributing more than $65,000 in cash and equipment to eight GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) recipients under the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative. The projects awarded GRANTs support the program’s industry-leading dedication to safe, responsible riding and open sustainable access to land, trails and riding areas for OHV users.
“The OHV community is embracing the expanded platform of the Outdoor Access Initiative and we encourage all recreationists who rely on OHVs to access the outdoors to keep an eye out for projects that promote and protect that access,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group Vice President. “We recognize that by broadening the scope of the GRANT program, we increase competition for the funds available but, as a result, we expect to see projects that have a greater benefit to all OHV enthusiasts.”
Funding and equipment were awarded by the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative to the following organizations:
- Carbon County, Utah
- Coos Riders Association, Oregon
- National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
- Texas Motorized Trails Coalition
- Androscoggin Valley ATV Club, New Hampshire
- Field of Dreams Trails Park, New Jersey
- Norton Branch Fire & Rescue, Kentucky
- Ride with Respect, Utah
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has a new website (www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com) with a new look and increased functionality. Visitors can choose to submit an application with the required attachments directly to the online platform, rather than e-mailing into the program. As always, the site features the GRANT cycle calendar, and riding clubs, outdoor enthusiast associations, land managers and conservationists can also find the current Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT 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 Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014.
About the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs). Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, maintained and rehabilitated countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies, outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation groups with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible and sustainable use by motorized off-road vehicles. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects. Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:
- Trail development, restoration and maintenance
- Trail signage and map production
- Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
- Land stewardship, safety and education
Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the Outdoor Access Initiative are available here. For specific questions about the Outdoor Access Initiative, call Yamaha’sdedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), e-mail OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Review Committee
6555 Katella Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630-5101
