“Yamaha continues to support a range of projects that address challenges to outdoor recreation, and we’re eager to partner with those who share our passion for building and protecting access to the spaces we all enjoy,” notes Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director. To that end, Yamaha Motor Corp. awarded more than $387,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) in the first quarter of 2025.
Since 2008, Yamaha’s OAI Outdoor has led the powersports industry in supporting responsible access to our nation’s public lands for outdoor enthusiasts. With more than $6 million contributed to over 470 projects across the country.” It’s gratifying to see these collaborative efforts evolve into large-scale projects that help make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone,” adds Nessl.
Supported by its dealers, Yamaha OAI grants supported 12 projects this quarter including major investments in OHV riding areas and trail systems in Oregon:
• The Great Outdoors Fund (supported by Florence Motorsports) was awarded funding for Phase Two of an OHV educational signage project across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, promoting messages of safety, stewardship, regulations, and recreation opportunities.
• The Rogue Valley SxS Club (supported by Waterworld Boat & Powersport) will use its grant to support trail clearing and maintenance on the 270-mile Prospect OHV trail system, with a focus on removing downed trees to keep riders on designated trails.
• OHV Construction and Conservation (supported by Power Motorsports) will develop a loop trail around the outer edge of the Tillamook State Forest OHV area. The “Tour of the Tillamook Powered by Yamaha” project encompasses 49 trails, comprising 17 double-track, 13 4×4, and 19 single-track routes, and includes trail development, restoration, maintenance, tree removal, and trail signage.
In Georgia, the Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association (supported by Cycle Specialty) will use its grant to maintain more than six motorized trails and riding areas throughout the state. Work will include bridge repair, culvert installation and signage.
Yamaha OAI grant funds also will protect California’s historic Perris Raceway (supported by Langston Motorsports) and continue supporting the All Kids Bike program, which teaches kindergarteners nationwide to ride bicycles as part of their physical education curriculum.
Additionally, Yamaha OAI provided grants to the following organizations in Q1 2025:
• Burbank Police Department
• Everything Outdoor Fest – D2 Powersports (Spartanburg, SC)
• Riley Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation – Brooks Yamaha Inc. (Manhattan, KS)
• Stewards of the Sierra National Forest Inc – Clawson Motorsports (Fresno, CA)
• Truckee Dirt Riders – Michael’s Reno Powersports (Reno, NV)
The application deadline for the second quarter of 2025 is June 30. Yamaha invites public land managers, riding clubs, and stewardship organizations to apply. Submission guidelines and applications are available at YamahaOAI.com
