Cypress, CA (5/29/2014)
-Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announces the
expanded platform for its GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our
Nation’s Trails) program, along with a new name: Outdoor Access Initiative.
Designed to extend support to off-highway vehicle (OHV) users in a wider
variety of outdoor activities, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative remains
the industry leader in supporting safe, responsible use and open
sustainable access to trails and riding areas.
“Yamaha is the leader in supporting our industry and customers on OHV
issues as well as conservation, land access and safe, responsible use of
ATV and SxS vehicles – whether in recreation, hunting or agricultural
settings,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group Vice President. “The
GRANT program always has welcomed applications from diverse groups. With
this new name, we make it clear that the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
actively encourages the submission of projects that support safe,
responsible use of OHVs as well as sustainable access to land for all
outdoor enthusiasts.”
Along with a new name, the GRANT program has a new logo and a new website
(www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com) showcasing its inclusive scope. Importantly,
the requirements for a complete and successful application remain the same.
“The Outdoor Access Initiative recognizes its roots are in addressing the
needs of the OHV community specifically,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s
ATV/SxS Marketing Manager. “Yamaha has also seen tremendous results from
GRANT-funded projects submitted by agricultural institutions as well as
hunting and conservation-based groups that benefit not only the specific
organization, but all outdoorsmen and women, including OHV enthusiasts.
OHVs make the outdoors more accessible to everyone, and the Outdoor Access
Initiative can and should help address any challenges to that access.”
The applications for GRANTs in the first quarter 2014 funding cycle
represented the broadened appeal of the Yamaha Outdoors Access Initiative
with awards being given to an array of OHV interests. More than $95,000 in
funding and equipment were awarded to the following organizations:
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Chena River State Recreation Area
- Cayuna Iron Range Riders – Grove Heights, Minn.
- Directorate of Morale, Welfare, Family and Recreation: 1st Infantry
- Division – Fort Riley, Kan.
- National FFA, Outdoor Recreation Proficiency Award
- North County ATV, N.H.
- Responsible Recreation Foundation, Colo.
- Texas 4H Foundation, OHV Safety Education Program
- Tread Lightly! Respected Access is Open Access Campaign
- Wonders of Wildlife, National Hunting and Fishing Day
With the close of the first quarter 2014 funding cycle, two new states –
Alaska and Kansas – were added to the geographic footprint of the Yamaha
Outdoor Access Initiative bringing the total number of states with
GRANT-funded projects to 40.
The 2014 GRANT cycle calendar is available at
www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com where riding clubs, outdoor enthusiast associations, land managers and
conservationists can also find the current Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT
application form and guidelines for submission. Yamaha continues to seek
qualified projects and applications at local, state and federal levels. The
next deadline to submit a GRANT application is Monday, June 30, 2014.
Follow us at https://twitter.com/YamahaOHVAccess and www.facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors
About the Yamaha
OHV 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 non-profit 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), email OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Review Committee
6555 Katella Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630-5101
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader
in the motorsports market, makes the toughest,
most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side
vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding
product offerings also include motorcycles,
outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles,
boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines,
accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products
are sold through a nationwide network of dealers
in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its
incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities
in Wisconsin and Georgia as well as factory
operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more
information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.