Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, awarded more than $170,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) in the second quarter of 2024, funding efforts to restore off-highway vehicle (OHV) and recreational trails damaged by recent natural disasters. These grants support 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 Yamaha OAI grants focus on areas hit hardest by natural disasters, including:
- Winter storms in Northeast Maine, resulting in a federal disaster declaration.
- Seasonal flooding affecting trails in South Carolina’s Manchester State Park and Francis Marion National Forest.
- Tornado-damaged trails in Northwest Arkansas.
In the second quarter of 2024, Yamaha awarded over $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 in Strong, Maine, supported by Central Maine Powersports
- Downeast Lakes Land Trust in Grand Lake Stream, Maine, supported by Friend & Friend
- Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, supported by Ride Center USA
- Motorcycle Riders Association out of Medford, Oregon, supported by Water World Boat & Powersports
- Off Road Business Association, supported by Motorworld of El Cajon
- Orange County Mountain Bike Association in California, supported by Fullerton Bike
- Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District, supported by Central Maine Powersports
- Rocky Mountain Sports Riders in Eagle County, Colorado, supported by Silverthorne Powersports
- Southern Trail Advocates & Riders out of Jamestown South Carolina, supported by Velocity Powersports
- Stay the Trail Education and Stewardship Alliance from Colorado, supported by Vickery Motorsport
Yamaha OAI continues to accept grant applications on a quarterly basis, providing 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 and 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 here.
