Program Expands Partnership with National FFA to Promote Responsible Land Access and OHV Safety
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, today announced the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative awarded more than $100,000 in funds and equipment to six grant recipients in the third quarter of 2016. The program was also featured at the 89th National FFA Convention, with Yamaha sponsoring both the Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Recreation proficiencies. As the industry’s leading land access advocate protecting the interests of those who work and play outdoors, Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative supports off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders, as well as those who rely on access to land to camp, hunt, fish or farm.
“This marks the seventh year of Yamaha’s support of the National FFA Convention where we work to further the message of responsible outdoor and motorized recreation among the future leadership of U.S. agriculture,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “With a record-breaking 650,000 students participating in FFA programs across the country, these impressive young individuals have a diverse and intimate understanding of the value of land, and will have a significant impact on access issues in the years to come.”
As part of its sponsorship, Yamaha participated in the judging of the national finalists in both the Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Production and Management proficiencies. For Outdoor Recreation, Taylor Price of the Pilot Point FFA Chapter in Texas was honored for her Entrepreneurship/Placement proficiency project with Texas Parks and Wildlife. The national Wildlife Production and Management proficiency was awarded to Tyler Stewart of the East Clinton FFA Chapter in Lees Creek, Ohio, for his quail production and hunting operation. Yamaha congratulates Ms. Price and Mr. Stewart on their effort, performance and success in this year’s competition.
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative continues to serve the greater outdoor recreation community, providing vital resources supporting grassroots projects that protect, expand and improve access to land for diverse, public use and enjoyment.
“The projection and management of natural wetlands and waterways is an important issue to outdoor recreationists of all types. Not surprisingly, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative frequently funds projects that work to create access while maintaining the valuable biodiversity and beauty these areas provide,” Nessl said. “This quarter we funded bridges, boardwalks, drainage and erosion control projects that will bring the public closer to nature in a responsible, sustainable manner.”
The 2016 Q3 Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative grant recipients are:
- Mille Lacs Drift Skippers Snowmobile & ATV Club, Minnesota
- Cullman County Commission, Alabama
- Itasca County Land Department, Minnesota
- Baber ATV Club, Oregon
- Northern Traxx ATV Club, Minnesota
- Wagon Wheel OHV Club, Colorado
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative continues to accept qualified applications for consideration of support and funding. The deadline to apply for consideration in the 4th quarter 2016 is November 30. For more information on the Outdoor Access Initiative, or to submit a grant application, visit www.yamahaoai.com. Follow Yamaha Outdoors at www.facebook.com/yamahaoutdoors, www.twitter.com/yamahaoutdoors or www.instagram.com/yamahaoutdoors.