With a goal of supporting responsible access to our nation’s public lands for outdoor enthusiasts, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative program announced it has surpassed $6 million in cumulative funding. As an example of these efforts, during the second quarter of this year, funding went toward three projects in Oregon, providing enhanced riding experiences across the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, the Tillamook State Forest, and the Prospect OHV riding area on the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. For more information, read the press release below.
MARIETTA, Ga. (Aug. 29, 2023) — Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has surpassed a remarkable $6 million in cumulative funding. A trailblazer in the powersports industry, Yamaha’s OAI remains steadfast in its commitment to championing and safeguarding access to lands for both motorized and outdoor recreation. Since its inception in 2008, the program has fueled the realization of over 470 projects nationwide.
Related: Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Honors National Public Lands Day
“Fifteen years ago, when Yamaha conceived the Outdoor Access Initiative, we foresaw the positive impact it would have on our valued customers, dedicated dealership network, and the public landscapes we enjoy today,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “While much work remains, we take immense pride in our contribution of over $6 million thus far. This support underscores our commitment to foster safe, sustainable riding and recreation across public lands.”
The second quarter of 2023 witnessed the endorsement of three pivotal projects in Oregon through OAI. These initiatives provide enhanced riding experiences across the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, the Tillamook State Forest, and the Prospect OHV riding area on the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. The range of projects, from erecting informative wayfinding signs to constructing vital bridges and staging areas, epitomizes the essence of OAI’s dedication to lasting improvements in Oregon’s recreational opportunities.
Related: Backcountry Discovery Routes: BMW and BDR Collaborate on New Oregon Route
Amongst the pool of Q2 applications, 18 grants were awarded, totaling an impressive $311,355. The recipients span the following organizations:
- American Sand Association
- Bur Oak Land Trust, Iowa
- Doe Mountain Recreation Authority, Tennessee
- Douglas County, Oregon
- Drummond Dirt & Sno-Jacks, Wisconsin
- Friends of Cow Mountain, California
- Garland Trail Hawks ATV Club, Maine
- Great Lot Sportsman’s Club Corp., New York
- High Desert Keepers, California
- Island Trails Network Inc., Alaska
- L.A.N.D.S., California
- National Forest Foundation
- Off Road Business Association
- ODF: Tillamook State Forest, Oregon
- So. California Mountains Foundation
- Starbuck Police Department, Minnesota
- Trash Dogs AZ, Inc.
- Wilderness Wheelers, Minnesota
Individuals passionate about leading projects to enhance and safeguard access to public lands for motorized and outdoor recreation are encouraged to apply for an OAI grant. Notably, this initiative has expanded to embrace Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycle group, further preserving access to public spaces for all forms of outdoor and motorized recreation.
The application deadline for the third quarter funding cycle is Sept. 30, 2023. Yamaha welcomes the participation of OHV and bicycling clubs, land stewardship groups, and related nonprofit outdoor recreation organizations. To explore the application process, submission guidelines, and access the Yamaha OAI grant application form, visit the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative website. The website also features an enlightening blog replete with project highlights to fuel inspiration.
Stay seamlessly connected with Yamaha through avenues such as the Yamaha Outdoors podcast, social media channels via @YamahaOutdoors, and by tracking the following hashtags: #Yamaha, #YamahaOAI, #REALizeYourAdventure, #ProvenOffRoad, and #AssembledInUSA.
About the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
Since 2008, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has led the powersports industry in supporting responsible access to our nation’s public lands for outdoor enthusiasts. With more than $6 million contributed to over 470 projects across the country, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of motorized recreation trails, maintained and rehabilitated riding and hunting areas, improved staging areas, supplied organizations with essential OHV safety education, built bridges over fish-bearing streams, helped children learn to ride bicycles, and partnered with local outdoor enthusiast communities across the country to improve access to public lands. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding and cycling 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 public use.
Updated guidelines, an application form, and news about the Outdoor Access Initiative are available at the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative website. For specific questions about the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, call the dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@Yamaha-Motor.com, or write to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
3065 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Bldg. 100
Marietta, GA 30066
