Yamaha Approves Seven OHV GRANTs in Fourth Quarter 2011

CYPRESS, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.'s, OHV Access Initiative today announced the fourth quarter 2011 awards totaling more than $96,000 for seven projects supporting safe, responsible OHV riding and open, sustainable OHV access to trails and riding areas across the country.

Since 2008, Yamaha has awarded more than 160 GRANTs in 33 states securing its place as the clear industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation's Trails (GRANTs).  The OHV Access Initiative requires a Yamaha dealer endorsement for each application, facilitating interaction between dealers and OHV groups as well as encouraging dealer involvement in important projects across the country.

"Yamaha remains committed to the preservation and creation of responsible OHV areas, and we are eager to work with riders, riding groups and land managers to continue uncovering and supporting these opportunities," said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS marketing manager.  "Yamaha is proud of our ability to support the OHV community from a corporate level, but it is our dealer partners who have made this program grow to what it is today.  Given the amount of projects we have supported – even in a relatively short time – the OHV Access Initiative has transformed from a promising support program to an established asset and necessary component of our sport's future."

The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative is uniquely structured to channel the highest percentage of raised funds directly back onto the trail.  By keeping overhead low and committing all OHV funds to the exclusive use of the OHV GRANT program, Yamaha has maximized the contributions to deserving projects.

In the fourth quarter 2011 alone, seven organizations were awarded GRANTs totaling more than $96,000 including:

• Northern Wayne Outdoor Recreation Club – Lakewood, Pa.
• Ouachita ATV Club – Mena, Ark.
• City of Earlington – Kentucky
• Keweenaw ATV Club – Upper Peninsula, Mich.
• Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District – Del Norte, Colo.
• Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation
• Vermont ATV Sportman's Association

Yamaha is actively seeking qualified projects at local, state and federal levels.  The current OHV Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available here:
www.Yamaha-Motor.com/OHVAccess

The deadline to submit an application for consideration in the first quarter GRANT funding cycle for 2012 is March 31, 2012.  The complete quarterly review calendar for 2012 is as follows:

Submission Schedule (Approval Deadline)

• December 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012 (May 4, 2012)
• April 1 – June 30, 2012 (July 31, 2012)
• July 1 – September 29, 2012 (October 31, 2012)
• October 1 – November 30, 2012 (January 11, 2013)

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

The Yamaha OHV 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 and other members of the OHV community in the United States.  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, trail safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available here. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha's dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email [email protected] or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

Follow Yamaha's OHV Access Initiative: @YamahaOHVAccess

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 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 www.yamaha-motor.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Van Holmes
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
(714) 761-7370
[email protected]

SOURCE Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.