If there’s one thing off-roaders know, it’s that the trails we love don’t maintain themselves. This year, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA proved once again that they’re not just about building tough machines—its committed to keeping the outdoors open and thriving for all of us through its involvement in National Public Lands Day.

In celebration of National Public Lands Day on September 27, more than 60 Yamaha employees rolled up their sleeves and spent the day improving off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation areas in both California and Georgia. It’s all part of Yamaha’s long-running Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI)—a program dedicated to preserving and improving trail access across the country.

Getting Hands-On In The Dirt For Public Lands Day

At California’s Pinnacles OHV Staging Area in the San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead, 40 Yamaha employees teamed up with the Southern California Mountains Foundation and U.S. Forest Service staff. Meanwhile, another 20 Yamaha volunteers hit the trails at Georgia’s Houston Valley OHV system in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, working side-by-side with the Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association.

Their mission? Improve the experience for everyone who rides, hikes, or camps on these public lands—while helping protect the fragile ecosystems that surround them.

Public Lands Day: A Day of Real-World Impact

Instead of sitting behind desks, Yamaha employees were out repairing fences, clearing brush, painting restrooms, fixing trail signs, and tackling erosion control. They planted 90 native grasses and 30 cacti, spread mulch, installed irrigation, and restored natural habitats—all to ensure these areas stay open and safe for the long haul.

“The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has invested more than $8 million in over 550 projects over the past 18 years, but our commitment goes beyond funding,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports Marketing Director. “Our National Public Lands Day volunteer efforts demonstrate how Yamaha employees are personally invested in protecting access and promoting responsible recreation across America’s public lands.”

Partnering for Preservation

The work didn’t go unnoticed. Stacy Gorin, executive officer of the Southern California Mountains Foundation, emphasized just how crucial partnerships like these are. “Partnerships like the one we have with Yamaha through the Outdoor Access Initiative are essential to maintaining our National Forest trail systems. Their hands-on approach to trail stewardship, combined with their ongoing grant support, makes a real difference in keeping these lands accessible for all Americans to enjoy.”

The Bigger Picture

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday in September. It aligns perfectly with the mission of Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative—to protect, improve, and expand access for safe, sustainable recreation.

Since its launch in 2008, OAI has funded trail maintenance, safety improvements, staging area upgrades, and OHV safety education programs nationwide. And while the grant program provides the dollars, efforts like these volunteer days put Yamaha’s commitment into real, physical action.

“Every project supported through our grants or volunteer efforts strengthens opportunities for future generations to enjoy safe, sustainable outdoor adventures,” Nessl added. “Our employees’ enthusiasm for this hands-on trail work reflects Yamaha’s broader commitment to responsible stewardship of the lands where we recreate.”

Continuing The Momentum

The improvements made this year will benefit thousands of outdoor enthusiasts—riders, campers, and explorers alike—by making trails safer and more sustainable. But for Yamaha, this was just one chapter in an ongoing story of conservation and access.

Organizations that want to make their own impact can apply for OAI grant funding at YamahaOAI.com