Yamaha Awards $65,000 in Off-Road GRANTs

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.’s OHV Access Initiative continues to support riding areas across the country, including a number of GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) that are helping protect waterways and other natural resources.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support and promote responsible recreation and sustainable access to public lands, Yamaha continues to partner with a number of relevant parties including Outdoor Life’s Save-A-Stream program, and Yamaha has funded several projects that are in line with the Save-A-Stream mission.

“The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has awarded more than $65,000 toward the construction or rehabilitation of bridges assisting local OHV communities in establishing responsible, sustainable riding and land stewardship practices,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS marketing manager. “Land access issues impact every outdoor activity from OHV trails to hunting and fishing, and Yamaha is proud to do our part and lead the way from the motorsports industry to help assure responsible, sustainable access for all.”

“Yamaha’s commitment to responsible recreational use on public land is a model for the entire industry,” says Andrew McKean, Executive Editor of Outdoor Life magazine. “And the company’s promotion of watershed stewardship and recreational trail maintenance perfectly aligns with our Save-a-Stream program, which connects hunters and anglers with waterways in their own communities. It’s been a great partnership.”

A recent example of a Yamaha-funded project that affects multiple outdoor communities was submitted by the Trailsmen Motorcycle Club for the construction of a new bridge over a Coho salmon-bearing stream on the Tillamook National Forest in Northwest Oregon. This summer the club was awarded a $10,000 GRANT to go toward the purchase of building materials and construction permits.

“The construction of Elmer Trail Bridge will make a significant improvement in the safety and sustainability of some of our most heavily used trails on the Tillamook State Forest while protecting aquatic and riparian habitats,” says Lahna Fox, Secretary/Treasurer of the Trailsmen Motorcycle Club. “Without the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANT, this important project would not be possible, and we are grateful to partner with them in supporting our OHV community.”

The Trailsmen Club was one of six organizations awarded GRANTs in the second quarter 2011 funding cycle of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative this year. In total, Yamaha has issued 152 GRANTs in 32 states totaling nearly $2 million since the program started in 2008.

In addition to the Trailsman Motorcycle Club, Yamaha awarded GRANTs in the second quarter of 2011 to the following organizations:

Flathead Dirt Riders Association, Kalispell, MT Francis Marion National Forest, McClellanville, SC Ohio Department of Natural Resources Friends of Florida State Forests Michigan Trails & Recreation Alliance of Land & Environment

Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, kept open countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-baring streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience for all. Yamaha is actively seeking qualified projects at local, state and federal levels. The 2011 OHV Access Initiative GRANT schedule, application form and guidelines are available at www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess.