Kennesaw, Ga. – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, today announced the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has contributed more than $40,000 in cash to support two projects reflecting the program’s expanded mission to promote safe, responsible use and open, sustainable access for outdoor recreation. Riding groups, land managers and others with a project that is in line with OAI’s mission and in need of support should visit the program’s newly updated website: www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com.
The program’s third quarter funding cycle coincided with the 88th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Expo in October, where Yamaha represented its ongoing commitment to promote safe, responsible ATV and side-by-side vehicle use to the future leaders of the agricultural community.
“The National FFA convention is an important opportunity to discuss riding habits for all uses of off-highway vehicles, particularly in agricultural settings,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “Off-highway vehicles are incredibly popular tools on farms and ranches. Teaching respect for vehicles and encouraging safe and responsible behaviors in all settings and uses is an important part of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative’s expanded mission.”
Yamaha’s multifaceted support of the National FFA and its members includes Yamaha’s annual sponsorship of the National Agricultural Proficiency Award for Outdoor Recreation. This year’s Outdoor Recreation Proficiency Award was awarded to Sam Alan Shaver of the Southmont FFA Chapter in Crawfordsville, IN. Just before he was born, Shaver’s father began what would later grow into the largest off-road ATV race east of the Mississippi, the GNCC Ironman, on his family property. Growing up, Shaver would help his family prepare for and operate the race each year, and over time, he grew to respect and appreciate the work that went into planning the event. Using his experience, Shaver decided to host a 5k run on his family’s property, which now after four years welcomes more than 8,000 participants each year. The overwhelming success Shaver has had using his family’s property to host popular recreational events set him above the rest of participants for this year’s award.
“Each year, Yamaha proves their commitment in promoting responsible messages to National FFA members,” said Senior Regional Director of National FFA, Maggie Stith. “The National FFA is proud to align with Yamaha’s efforts to support the future of agriculture, and we thank them for their contributions to make the National Agricultural Proficiency Award possible every year.”
The third quarter Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT recipients are:
• Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Pennsylvania
• Stewards of the Sierras, California
The GRANT-awarded projects support the program’s industry-leading dedication to safe, responsible riding and open sustainable access to land, trails and riding areas for OHV users of all types. Yamaha continues to seek qualified projects and applications at local, state and federal levels.
Outdoor clubs and organizations can now apply for a GRANT through the revitalized OAI website at www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com. The updated OAI website now delivers a more inclusive experience to the outdoor community, with an improved application process, examples of previous GRANTs awarded to various projects and social media support.
“As the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has grown and matured, the program’s website needs to better reflect the work being accomplished by those on the ground making sustainable access a reality for outdoor enthusiasts of all types,” said Nessl. “The changes to the website are intended to make it easier for outdoor clubs and organizations and land managers from across the nation to seek funding for projects that promote safe and responsible use.”
For more information about National FFA, visit www.ffa.org. For more information on the Outdoor Access Initiative, or to submit a GRANT application, visit www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com. Follow Yamaha Outdoors at www.facebook.com/yamahaoutdoors,www.twitter.com/yamahaoutdoors or www.instagram.com/yamahaoutdoors.
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 nonprofit 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’s dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), e-mail OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
Yamaha Motor Corp, USA
1270 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144
