CYPRESS, Calif. – September 23, 2009 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its successful OHV Access Initiative, continues to support landmark programs directed by the country’s most prominent outdoor recreation organizations which are leading national efforts to promote safe, responsible riding and sustainable, open riding areas nationwide.

A total of more than $100,000 in funds are being contributed through separate Yamaha OHV GRANTs to Tread Lightly!, the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and the National OHV Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

“The OHV Access Initiative has made fantastic strides from the grassroots perspective creating and maintaining responsible riding opportunities for local OHV communities,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. “Yamaha’s ability to also support these national projects, combined with our on-the-ground work through dealers and regional staff, continue to elevate the effectiveness of the OHV Access Initiative. The programs we’re supporting through the national organizations address issues that impact OHV enthusiasts from coast to coast.”
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The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative’s National Partners For 2009

Tread Lightly! – Funding the development of a template for recreational maps for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management properties and the Respected Access Campaign.

ORBA – Funding the organization’s efforts to assist in crafting legislation to protect OHV recreation in the California desert.

NOHVCC – Funding the organization’s popular land management workshops webinars and compendium video modules.

Blue Ribbon Coalition – Funding efforts to support the implementation of the new federal travel management policy on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management properties.

“We are grateful to Yamaha for creating the OHV Access Initiative as a resource to help protect public lands for safe and responsible motorized recreational use,” said Lori McCullough, executive director of the nonprofit Tread Lightly!. “Educating OHV enthusiasts on best practices for land stewardship is essential to maintaining and, hopefully, expanding sustainable riding opportunities for everyone to enjoy.”

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: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. 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 OHVAccess@yamahamotor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.