Source: PolarisSource: PolarisIt seems that all of the big manufacturers are giving back to their market-driving communities these days. Yamaha is the biggie, with its Outdoor Access Initiative program that has donated over $1 million in its tenure, and now Polaris is also doing the deed and awarding money to the National Forest Foundation in an effort to promote OHV access.Source: PolarisSource: PolarisPolaris started its giving-back endeavors in 2022, teaming up with the National Forest Foundation to help make the most of these good deeds and to best maximize the reach of the program. Together, the duo invested around $5 million in 2021, money that goes towards promoting safe and responsible trail use. This includes things like improving trails, signage, and infrastructure, as well as helping bring safe riding knowledge to those in the powersports enthusiast community.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe duo recently announced the 2026 recipients of the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants. Almost $200,000 worth of funding is being dished out to seven initiatives:Sedona Forest road speed pilot project – Coconino National Forest, Arizona: Installation of speed-limit and radar signage along a popular OHV route.Vail pass winter recreation area snowmobile support – White River National Forest, Colorado: Donation of a snowmobile and equipment to support U.S. Forest Service winter patrols, helping manage rider safety, enforce designated use areas, and protect sensitive wildlife habitat.Tenderfoot Mountain Trail maintenance – White River National Forest, Colorado: Volunteer crews will complete tread repair and corridor clearing on a popular multiuse trail.Cadillac ORV scenic ride sustainability project – Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan: Maintenance and trailhead improvements to support a shared off-road ORV and snowmobile route and improve the experience.Corridor 19 improvements – White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire: Drainage and trail surface improvements along four miles of a snowmobile corridor to enhance safety and long‑term maintenance.Wayehutta OHV trail system improvements – Nantahala National Forest, Tennessee: Trail restoration and erosion-control work to repair Hurricane Helene-related damage, improve drainage, and restore safe public access.Sucker Pond trail relocation – Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont: Relocation of a portion of the trail to protect wetlands and local water resources while improving rider safety and trail connectivity."Polaris has been a steadfast champion of our National Forests," says Dieter Fenkart Froeschl, president and CEO of the NFF. "By creating a source of lasting annual support, Polaris empowers us to strengthen recreation opportunities and uplift the communities that find adventure and connection in these treasured places."As always, we feel obligated to mention that Polaris does, in fact, benefit from these donations; it isn't simply a matter of giving away money, but they are also providing benefits to those who purchase their brand's vehicles. Still, this is great to see from Polaris, and we hope they continue on with this NFF partnership in the coming years.
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