Looking for more off-road trails? Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative is dedicated to creating and maintaining sustainable riding areas, and helping foster outdoor access opportunities. Through the years the program has funded trail clearing, tree planting, trail bridge projects, environmental restoration, and more. And it’s not just about writing a check. Often Yamaha team members and dealers pick up the tools and join local riders to make it happen.
TRACK AND TRAIL RECORD
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative program began in 2008, and since that time it has backed nearly 500 projects. Often those projects are proposed by local trail groups, dealers, and public land managers. The most recent round of participation included projects from across the country. Some of those projects include:
- The Great Outdoors Fund – Installation of OHV education kiosks throughout the Oregon Dunes.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Development of a new OHV riding area
- Southern California Mountains Foundation – Trail maintenance in the San Bernardino National Forest.
- Tuleyome Ca – Restoration of 2.6 miles of OHV trails in the BLM Knoxville Management Area.
- Caribou Viking Riders ATV Club trail projects
- Indian Creek Valley ATV Club
- Presidential OHRV Club
- Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
HOW DOES YAMAHA’S OUTDOOR ACCESS INITIATIVE WORK?
Yamaha has forged a strong partnership with land management groups and trail clubs from across the country, but it’s often grass-roots efforts that make the Outdoor Access Initiative happen. Local clubs and riders are the ones who know the trails best and can identify areas that need upkeep, new routes, or helpful amenities. Often that leads to a plan crafted by the same user groups and land managers, and they can then apply to the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative program to seek a partner on the project. The plan is then evaluated to make sure it fits the Outdoor Access Initiative program guidelines, and if it is a good fit, you’ve got a new trail buddy!
Apply for a grant! Yamaha invites applications each quarter for projects supporting public access and conservation initiatives. If your organization—a nonprofit, riding club, land agency, or similar— has a project to improve, expand, or maintain access for safe, responsible, and sustainable public use, they want to hear about it! It’s one of Yamaha’s ways of giving back. Program information is on their dedicated webpage.
BE INVOLVED – MAKE IT HAPPEN
Grassroots efforts are often a very effective way of getting a project done. The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative program was developed as way to help make those projects happen. The next time your group is on a trail ride and spot a potential project, remember that with Yamaha’s support and your collective effort, you can make a difference. All you have to do is ask!
YAMAHA OUTDOOR ACCESS INITIATIVE PROGRAM INFO
For updated guidelines, the application form, and the latest Outdoor Access Initiative news, please visit: https://yamahaoai.com/
For specific inquiries about the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, you can reach the dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@Yamaha-Motor.com, or send correspondence to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
3065 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Bldg. 100
Marietta, GA 30066
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com
KEEP RIDING AREAS OPEN – A CHECKLIST OF GOOD HABITS
Every rider can contribute to the preservation of our riding areas by simply following a few basic guidelines:
• Learn riding area laws and regulations, including sound levels, safety gear requirements, age limits, and safety course requirements.
• Use up-to-date trail and access information to ensure you ride only in permitted areas and on designated open trails.
• Be a positive example. Younger riders will observe your trail practices.
• Leave your riding area in better shape than you found it. Picking up a wrapper or can takes minimal effort and improves the trail experience for everyone.
• Be aware of animal habitats, including streams, crossing routes, food sources, and nesting areas, and stay off sensitive terrain.
• Ride right! When you can’t see the trail ahead, stay on the right side, especially in corners.
• Use hand signals when passing other users to indicate how many are following behind you.
• Use courtesy. Slow down when passing other groups along the trail. It’s not a race, and no one appreciates feeling endangered by careless users.
• Be considerate of other users, such as mountain bikers, hikers, and hunters. We’re not the only group on the trails. And be very respectful of private property owners.
• Keep your machine in good mechanical shape. No one likes breathing fumes from a poorly running engine or seeing oil puddles at every stop.
