Yamaha Motor USA announced that it awarded over $170,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access initiative (OAI) in 24Q2 alone. These grants funded critical efforts to restore off-highway vehicle (OHV) and recreational trails that were damaged by recent natural disasters. Specifically, they supported local and regional organizations working to rehabilitate public lands impacted by tornadoes, flooding and winter storms.
“The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative program plays a critical role in ensuring public lands remain accessible, even after natural disasters,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports’ group marketing manager. “By partnering with local organizations and Yamaha dealers, we’re able to support communities in their efforts to restore trails so they continue to be safe and sustainable for all outdoor recreationalists.”
This quarter’s OAI grants focused on areas hit hardest by natural disaster, among them:
- Northeast Maine, where winter storms resulted in the declaration of federal disaster.
- North Carolina’s Manchester state park and Francis Marion national forest, where seasonal flooding affected trails.
- Northwest Arkansas, where tornado damage destroyed trails.
In Q2, Yamaha awarded $170,000+, across 15 grants, to the following organizations:
- Arizona 4WD Foundation (supported by Nash Powersports).
- Arkansas Trailblazers (supported by Sunrise Marine & Motorsports).
- Day Mountain Road Association (supported by Central Maine Powersports).
- Downeast Lakes Land Trust (supported by Friend & Friend).
- Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority (supported by Ride Center USA).
- Motorcycle Riders Association (supported by Water World Boat & Powersports).
- Off Road Business Association (supported by Motorworld of El Cajon).
- Orange County Mountain Bike Assoc. (supported by Fullerton Bike).
- Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District (supported by Central Maine Powersports).
- Rocky Mountain Sports Riders (supported by Silverthorne Powersports).
- Southern Trail Advocates & Riders (supported by Velocity Powersports).
- Stay the Trail Education and Stewardship Alliance (supported by Vickery Motorsport).
Yamaha OAI continues to accept grant applications on a quarterly basis, providing timely resources to address urgent access issues and land rehabilitation efforts. While project types vary, Yamaha OAI prioritizes initiatives that promote safe and responsible OHV use, perform essential maintenance on trails and public lands, as well as protect, restore, and expand sustainable access to public lands. For the third quarter of 2024, Yamaha invites public land managers, riding clubs, and stewardship organizations to apply for funding before the September 30 deadline. Submission guidelines and applications are available at YamahaOAI.com.
