CYPRESS, Calif. - April 15, 2009 - Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is contributing more than $175,000 in cash and equipment this first quarter of 2009 to ATV riding clubs, national forests, law enforcement support groups and other off-highway vehicle (OHV)-related organizations across the country. This initial effort for 2009 is a continuation of Yamaha's OHV Access Initiative, which has poured more than $875,000 into the OHV community since the beginning of last year supporting its mission of promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas.
In this first quarter funding cycle, Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation's Trails) were awarded to 15 applicants with compelling projects designed to improve OHV experience locally, regionally and nationally. Awardees include:
Ashland Resource Area, Oregon
ATV Off-road Club of Michigan
Balsam Trailblazers ATV Club, Minnesota
Burnett County Law Enforcement Citizens Auxiliary, Wisconsin
Colorado OHV Coalition Foundation
Coalition of Recreational Trail Users, Minnesota
Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Harlan County Ridge Runner ATV, Kentucky
Knott County Trail Riders, Kentucky
Leatherwood Fire & Rescue, Kentucky
National OHV Conservation Council
Northern Traxx ATV Club, Minnesota
Oswego Valley ATV Club, New York
Ride Safe Virginia
Rock Run Recreation Area, Pennsylvania"The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has become a vital resource for OHV communities that are performing the on-the-ground work needed to create and maintain safe and responsible riding areas," said Mike Martinez, Yamaha's general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. "Yamaha has put more than $875,000 back into the OHV community through the OHV Access Initiative over the past 15 months. Particularly in this economic climate, these grass roots organizations need help, and Yamaha is proud to continue our support of the industry and enthusiasts through these GRANTS."
The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative funds OHV access-related projects that include, but are not limited to:
Trail development, restoration and maintenance
Trail signage, mapping and map production
Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
Responsible OHV riding education and outreach
Land stewardship and education
Legislative lobbying effortsAbout the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative
Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs, national forests and associations, and national, state and local government agencies. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects. Applications for the second quarter of 2009 should be postmarked by May 31, 2009.
Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For questions regarding the OHV Access Initiative, groups can call Yamaha's dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com 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, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, YMUS 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.