Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Tom Willems (605) 673-9217, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

BLACK HILLS RECEIVES $5000 YAMAHA GRANT FOR OHV TRAILS

CUSTER, SD: AUGUST 4, 2008

The Black Hills National Forest received a $5000 Access Initiative Grant from Yamaha Motor Corporation. The Forest Service will use the donation to purchase a trail dozer to assist in the construction and maintenance of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in the Black Hills.

The Black Hills National Forest currently has only one designated trail for motorized use – a trail that is also shared with hikers, bicycles, and horseback riders. Yamaha’s funding will help the Forest build the first trails of a motorized trail system specifically for OHV use.

“With our limited resources, the grant will partially fund a unique piece of trail grooming equipment that will enhance our ability to build and maintain high-quality OHV trails on the Forest,” said Tom Willems, Travel Management Planner on the Black Hills National Forest. "The grant from Yamaha Motor Corporation also supports the overall implementation of the Forest’s travel management planning effort."

The grant was awarded as part of Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative to promote safe and responsible riding, as well as open and sustainable riding areas.

“I think it’s an excellent effort on Yamaha’s part to support off-road riding so that we can keep the off-road community going,” said Todd Gikling, owner of Black Hills Power Sports, Rapid City’s Yamaha dealership. “I think it’s awesome that they have come to help all areas of the U.S. and that they are seeing the benefit of the Black Hills.”

For more information about the Black Hills National Forest, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (605) 673-9200, or visit the website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.