Do it in the dirt! Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has surpassed $6 million in cumulative funding to support off-road access. Yamaha's OAI continues to champion access to lands for both motorized and outdoor recreation. Since its inception in 2008, the program has benefited 470 projects nationwide.
"Fifteen years ago, when Yamaha conceived the Outdoor Access Initiative, we foresaw the positive impact it would have on our valued customers, dedicated dealership network, and the public landscapes we enjoy today,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “While much work remains, we take immense pride in our contribution of over $6 million thus far. This support underscores our commitment to foster safe, sustainable riding and recreation across public lands."
The second quarter of 2023 witnessed the endorsement of three pivotal projects in Oregon through OAI. These initiatives provide enhanced riding experiences across the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, the Tillamook State Forest, and the Prospect OHV riding area on the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. The range of projects, from erecting informative wayfinding signs to constructing vital bridges and staging areas, epitomizes the essence of OAI’s dedication to lasting improvements in Oregon's recreational opportunities.
From the pool of Q2 applications, 18 grants were awarded, totaling $311,355. Recipients include:
American Sand Association
Bur Oak Land Trust, Iowa
Doe Mountain Recreation Authority, Tennessee
Douglas County, Oregon
Drummond Dirt & Sno-Jacks, Wisconsin
Friends of Cow Mountain, California
Garland Trail Hawks ATV Club, Maine
Great Lot Sportsman's Club Corp., New York
High Desert Keepers, California
Island Trails Network Inc., Alaska
L.A.N.D.S., California
National Forest Foundation
Off Road Business Association
ODF: Tillamook State Forest, Oregon
So. California Mountains Foundation
Starbuck Police Department, Minnesota
Trash Dogs AZ, Inc.
Wilderness Wheelers, Minnesota
Updated guidelines, an application form, and news about the Outdoor Access Initiative are available at:
YamahaOAI.com