Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Awards $225k in Q2
August 25, 2026
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA has awarded more than $225,000 in second-quarter funding through the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (Yamaha OAI), supporting seven organizations working to preserve and expand opportunities for outdoor and motorized recreation.
For vehicle-based adventurers, off-road riders, and outdoor enthusiasts, access to trails and public recreation areas depends on more than simply having a capable vehicle or motorcycle. It also requires ongoing trail maintenance, responsible use, safety improvements, and organizations committed to keeping these areas open for future generations. Yamaha OAI’s latest grants support projects addressing those needs across the country.
The second-quarter grants fund a wide range of projects, including OHV trail rehabilitation, new trail development, improved wayfinding, motocross track maintenance, backcountry safety education, and youth programs introducing the next generation to outdoor activities.
The quarter also expands the collaboration between Yamaha OAI and Yamaha Rightwaters, supporting youth boating and fishing opportunities on California’s Catalina Island.
“This quarter’s recipients demonstrate the many ways responsible recreation and long-term outdoor access go hand-in-hand, from introducing young people to lifelong outdoor activities to maintaining the trails and riding areas enthusiasts depend on,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director. “We’re also proud to continue our support of All Kids Bike for a fifth year, helping give kindergarteners at more than 50 elementary schools nationwide the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike through their physical education programs.”
Q2 2026 Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grant Recipients
Yamaha OAI awarded grants to seven organizations during the second-quarter funding cycle:
Catalina Outdoor Adventure Club — Avalon, California
Working with RJ Nautical, the Catalina Outdoor Adventure Club received funding, along with a Yamaha Rightwaters-contributed 40-horsepower outboard motor, to expand youth boating and fishing programs on Catalina Island.
Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association (GARTRA) — Blue Ridge, Georgia
In partnership with Nelson Powersports, GARTRA received funding for trail maintenance across seven OHV areas throughout Georgia, helping preserve riding opportunities and improve the experience for off-road enthusiasts.
Quad Cities ATV Club — Eveleth, Minnesota
Supported by Five Seasons Sports, the Quad Cities ATV Club will rehabilitate two heavily used trails connecting riders to a regional trail system in northern Minnesota.
San Luis Valley Great Outdoors — Alamosa, Colorado
With support from Peak Motor Sports, the organization will develop a new connector trail and improve wayfinding signage in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, making it easier for recreationists to navigate the area’s trail network.
Strider Education Foundation / All Kids Bike
The organization will expand its Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to 12 additional schools nationwide. The initiative continues Yamaha OAI’s partnership with All Kids Bike, which began in 2021, introducing young riders to cycling through physical education programs.
Summit County Off-Road Riders (SCORR) — Silverthorne, Colorado
Supported by Silverthorne Powersports, SCORR will make maintenance and safety improvements at its motocross facility in Dillon, Colorado, helping provide a safer and better-maintained environment for riders.
West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation — Missoula, Montana
With support from Five Valley Honda Yamaha, the foundation will maintain backcountry trails and provide safety education for motorized recreation in Montana’s Seeley Lake region.
Investing in the Future of the Outdoors
Yamaha OAI accepts applications throughout the year and awards grants quarterly to eligible organizations working to improve outdoor recreation access. The program prioritizes projects that promote safe and responsible motorized recreation, maintain and improve trails and riding areas, and help protect sustainable access to public lands.
For the vehicle-based adventure community, maintaining these recreation areas is essential to keeping the trails, roads, riding areas, and backcountry routes that connect people with the outdoors accessible for years to come. Yamaha OAI’s continued investment supports the organizations doing that work on the ground.
The application deadline for the Q3 2026 Yamaha OAI grant cycle is September 30, 2026. Public land managers, riding clubs, land stewardship organizations, and outdoor recreation groups are encouraged to learn more and apply through YamahaOAI.com.
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