Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Tops $1 Million in GRANTs for Safe, Responsible OHV Access

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its OHV Access Initiative, has provided more than $1 million in critical funding into OHV projects across the country. In less than two years, more than 100 Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation's Trails) have been given to local, state and national organizations that are leading efforts to support safe, responsible OHV riding and sustainable, open riding areas.

Programs receiving GRANTs historically incorporate projects that directly impact specific trails, such as trail construction and maintenance, safety patrols, mapping and trail signage, as well as projects that address OHV usage on a broader scale -- like educational and land stewardship campaigns and legislative or legal efforts supporting responsible OHV access to public lands. GRANT funded projects span the country from New York to California, Florida to Oregon. A complete list of GRANT recipients can be found at: website.

"Yamaha is leading national and local efforts to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas, and reaching this $1 million milestone is symbolic of our commitment," said Mike Martinez, Yamaha's general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. "Together with our GRANT recipients, we recommit to these efforts each time an approved OHV project is funded and completed. Through the OHV Access Initiative, Yamaha will continue to provide vital resources to the OHV community for many years to come."

In this third quarter funding cycle, eight Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation's Trails) were awarded to fund projects that directly impact the access, safety and sustainability of OHV riding areas across the country. GRANT recipients for Q3 2009 include:

* Birdseye Mountain ATV Club, VT
* City of Evarts, KY
* Cle Elum Ranger District, OR
* Dubois County Dirt Riders
* Off Road Riders Association
* Offroad Riders Matter Association
* Oregon Dept. of Forestry
* Western Slope ATV Association

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs, national forests and associations, and national, state and local government agencies. 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 at the newly redesigned web site. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha's dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724),or write to: Yamaha OHV 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, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.