KENNESAW, GA--(Marketwired - November 15, 2016) - 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 89^th 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
  
  
• Mt. 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 4^th 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.

About the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is the industry leader in guaranteeing responsible access to our nation's land for outdoor enthusiasts. Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of motorized recreation trails, maintained and rehabilitated riding and hunting areas, improved staging areas, supplied agricultural organizations with essential OHV safety education, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local outdoor enthusiast communities across the country to improve access to public lands. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies, outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation groups with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible and sustainable public use. 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, safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the Outdoor Access Initiative are available at www.yamahaoai.com. For specific questions about the Outdoor Access Initiative, call Yamaha's dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to:

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
1270 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144

About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (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, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamahamotorsports.com.

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