Yamaha Distributes $265,000 in Outdoor Access Grants in 2015

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative contributed more than $265,000 in GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) in 2015, including $67,000 in the final quarter.

Yamaha Outdoor Access GRANTs provide funding and equipment to riding groups and outdoor organizations dedicated to advancing the program’s expanded mission. Yamaha revised the program’s mission in 2015 to provide practical support for efforts that promote safe, responsible use of OHVs, educate the public on proper recreational land use and wildlife conservation practices, and protect appropriate and sustainable access to public lands.

This GRANT quarter coincided with Yamaha’s continued support for the National FFA Foundation and National Hunting and Fishing Day, with additional partner programming announced at last month’s Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

“Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative committee is proud to finish off another successful year, providing GRANTs to more than 20 outdoor enthusiast organizations with the necessary means to promote safe, responsible use and open sustainable access,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “Under the first full year of the OAI’s expanded mission, we have developed productive partnerships within the outdoor recreation and agricultural communities and we expect 2016 to bring even more opportunities to a broader audience of OHV-users.”

Last month at SHOT Show, Yamaha announced they had once again partnered with Wonders of Wildlife’s annual National Hunting and Fishing Day events. As part of this year’s support, Yamaha is giving away a 2016 Kodiak 700 EPS Utility ATV to help raise awareness for National Hunting and Fishing Day, and the outdoor enthusiasts that help make the local events possible.

“Yamaha has been a key supporter of National Hunting and Fishing Day for almost a decade,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs for Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. — headquarters for National Hunting and Fishing Day. “The Outdoor Access Initiative has played an important role in supporting events across the nation dedicated to spreading awareness of National Hunting and Fishing Day, and the value hunters and anglers bring to conservation efforts in local communities.”

As part of the continued expanded mission of the Outdoor Access Initiative, Yamaha has increased its support of the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation, funding a collection of national and statewide awards in both the Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Production and Management proficiencies.

The fourth quarter Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT recipients are:

• National Future Farmers of America Foundation
• Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium – National Hunting and Fishing Day
• Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Grove District, Oregon
• Ravalli County Off Road User Association, Montana

For more information on the Outdoor Access Initiative, or to submit a GRANT application, visit www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com.