Yamaha Approves New GRANTs Funding OHV Projects in Six States

More Than $75,000 in Yamaha GRANTs Support Local Efforts to Expand and Protect Safe, Responsible Access to OHV Riding Areas and Trails

CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.’s, OHV Access Initiative – the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs) – approved new funding last month that will help seven different organizations across six states.

“These projects take many forms; from improving a trail systems’ access to local amenities and protecting sensitive environmental zones near and within riding areas to expanding legal riding areas.”

These organizations are helping to implement Yamaha’s mission of supporting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas through a variety of projects on the ground level. Since its inception in 2008, the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has funded nearly 200 such projects across the country.

To date, Yamaha has funded projects in 36 states in pursuit of its goal to support OHV access projects nationwide. This number continues to increase as Yamaha receives quality applications from around the country. New Hampshire received its first Yamaha GRANT this cycle with funding provided to the North Country ATV club based in North Stratford.

“Yamaha remains focused on supporting quality projects that represent significant opportunities for local OHV communities,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS marketing manager. “These projects take many forms; from improving a trail systems’ access to local amenities and protecting sensitive environmental zones near and within riding areas to expanding legal riding areas.”

These organizations were awarded GRANTs totaling more than $75,000 in the third quarter 2012 funding cycle of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative:

• Border Riders Sportsman Club – Jackson, Maine
• Great Lot Sportsman's ATV Club – Booneville, N.Y.
• MTN Trail Riders – Jonesborough, Tenn.
• North Country ATV – North Stratford, N.H.
• Northeast ATV Association – Troy, N.Y.
• Thunder Mountain Wheelers – Delta, Colo.
• Snow Shoes Rails to Trails – Clarence, Pa.

Yamaha is actively seeking qualified projects at local, state and federal levels. To date, projects have been funded in 36 states across the country; click here to see a map of GRANT projects. The current OHV Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available online at www.yamahaohvaccess.com.

The next deadline to submit a GRANT application is Friday, November 30, 2012.

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

The Yamaha OHV 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 and other members of the OHV community in the United States. 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, trail safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available here. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email [e-mail] or write to: Yamaha OHV 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, 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.