Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. says its national OHV Access Initiative contributed more than $265,000 in GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nations Trails) in 2010. The program, with a mission to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas, has invested more than $1.5 million into these critical issues to date.

Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, kept open riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-baring streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience for all.  A complete list of organizations that have received Yamaha GRANTs is available at: www.yamaha-motor.com.

“Yamaha is proud of the hard work accomplished through the support of the OHV Access Initiative, but there is always more to be done,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV/SxS marketing manager.  “Riding clubs and land managers across the country have put the resources of the OHV Access Initiative to good use, and we continue to encourage more of them to look to Yamaha for support.”

Yamaha has reaffirmed its commitment to the OHV community in 2011 and is now actively seeking qualified projects from non-profit or tax exempt organizations at local, state and federal levels.

“We have seen the effects of the economic downturn on the local level. It is a challenge for OHV clubs and riding areas to maintain their trails and take on new projects, but we are here to help,” Nessl said.  “If you work for a national or state forest, or are a member of a local riding club, we encourage you to check out the guidelines, application and examples on our website, and consider how you might incorporate an OHV Access Initiative GRANT as you maintain and improve your riding area.”

The 2011 OHV Access Initiative GRANT schedule, application form and guidelines are available at Yamaha’s website.