Yamaha Puts Boots on the Ground for SoCal Conservation

Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) works to keep America’s natural landscape open to riders who want to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The OAI’s disbursed more than $6 million since 2008 in support of nearly 500 projects across the country, more than $1 million of that doled out last year. Last month, it provided a grant to the National Conservation Legacy Center “Recreation” exhibit, opening next year at the National Museum of Forest Service History in Missoula, Montana.

This month, the OAI made an airdrop in Southern California of funds and of elbow grease. Yamaha employees from corporate offices in Cypress, California, and Marietta, Georgia, worked with the Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) on conservation tasks in the San Bernardino National Forest.

A recent USFS visitor report estimated the San Bernardino National Forest receives nearly two million visits annually, making it one of the most popular forest attractions in the state.

Linda Stamer, OHV and restoration partnership director for SCMF, said, “The constant use of this area is fantastic as more people come to enjoy the natural spaces offered on the San Bernardino National Forest. However, that use often places a real burden on the land and it needs consistent care and attention to keep it safe and accessible for everyone.”

The 50 Yamaha employees and their families joined SCMF members to complete maintenance projects at the Pinnacles OHV Staging Area like repairing and replacing fencing, replacing signage, pulling weeds, watering plants, removing trash and graffiti, and installing wildlife protection measures. The work ensures continued access to the nine listed on-road and eight off-road trails beyond.

On top of this, Yamaha OAI provided the SCMF a grant of more than $120,000 to fund initiatives such as trail mapping and improvement projects at more OHV staging areas in the region, and to field more trail volunteer efforts.

For any of you interested in maintaining your local OHV trail ecosystem, applications for the current OAI grant cycle close June 30, 2024. Head over to yamahaoai.com for an application.

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