Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Awards $225,000 in 2014
CYPRESS, Calif. (PRWEB) February 02, 2015 -- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., today announced it has contributed more than $35,000 in funds and equipment to three GRANT applicants from the last funding cycle in 2014. The final GRANTs of 2014 bring the annual total to more than $225,000, advancing the mission of promoting safe, responsible use and open, sustainable access. In celebration of this milestone, Yamaha sponsored Outdoor Life magazine’s Open Country Awards at this year’s Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.
“Yamaha’s efforts to be more inclusive by embracing the diversity of the outdoor enthusiast and OHV user community has been met with great enthusiasm. Yamaha has injected more than $2.5 million into 250 projects across the country focused on addressing a wide spectrum of access issues,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “Everyone involved in the Yamaha GRANT program is extremely proud of the work we have accomplished, but – as always – there is much more to be done. The call to action to all outdoor enthusiasts is to continue to identify existing problems or potential opportunities for motorized recreation.”
The fourth quarter GRANT recipients of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative are:
• Cullman County, Alabama
• Great Lakes Dual Sports Club, Michigan
• Highmarket Wheelers ATV Club, New York
These GRANT awarded projects support the program’s industry-leading dedication to safe, responsible use and open sustainable access to land, trails and riding areas for OHV users. Yamaha continues to seek qualified projects and applications at local, state and federal levels. The current Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available online at http://www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com.
Today’s announcement coincides with Yamaha’s presence at SHOT Show, which underscored the Outdoor Access Initiative platform supporting outdoor enthusiasts of all types and included the sponsorship of the Open Country Awards from Outdoor Life. At a luncheon hosted by Outdoor Life, Yamaha partnered with 2014 Open Country Corporate award winner, Powderhook, for a giveaway promotion of a Yamaha generator and a fishing trip to Canada. A drawing held at the end of the event revealed Shannon Ankeny as the lucky winner.
About Open Country by Outdoor Life Magazine
Hunters and anglers across the nation consistently list one challenge as their primary obstacle to spending more time in the field: Access.
Outdoor Life's Open Country program aims to tackle that issue head on and with boots on the ground. The program highlights volunteer-driven efforts to improve access along with habitat improvements to make existing public lands even better places to hunt and fish. The program's goal is to substantially increase sportsman's access across the country by promoting events that make a difference.
The Open Country program culminates in an awards system with top projects and participants being honored during a gala at SHOT Show each January.
About the Yamaha Outdoor 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(at)yamaha-motor(dot)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, 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 http://www.yamaha-motor.com.
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Van Holmes, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., http://www.yamaha-motor.com, +1 310-902-9457, [email protected]
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