10 grants are being awarded in six states thanks to the partnership between Foundation for America’s Public Lands and Polaris

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Polaris, a global leader in powersports, announce the awarding of 10 grants to support off-highway vehicle (OHV) sites on BLM lands in six states. Each project epitomizes the priorities of their ongoing partnership: supporting OHV recreation, promoting safe and responsible off-road riding, enhancing the riding experience in and around high-use recreation areas, and partnering with local communities.

Through the partnership, Polaris and the Foundation are investing over $500,000 in grants to support this latest round of OHV projects on BLM public lands. These grants will support projects including safety improvements, wayfinding/new signage, modernization, better trail access, enhanced visitor experience as well as restorations and protections for the natural environment.

The BLM manages a number of the country’s most iconic and treasured motorized recreation areas. There are nearly 450,000 miles of routes and trails on BLM lands available for Americans to enjoy, many of which still need to be inventoried. The BLM also oversees more than 200 designated OHV recreation sites open to responsible, motorized use and 54 National Back Country Byways spanning just over 3,000 miles across 11 western states. Families and friends gather in these places to spend time outdoors, and those trips fuel local economies and bring riders back again and again.

“BLM- managed public lands are home to some of the most exciting off-highway vehicle destinations in the world. Opportunities for riders are as rich and varied as the lands themselves,” said I Ling Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands. “As the official charitable partner of the BLM, we know that ensuring safe, accessible experiences for 84 million visitors each year is a big task, and public-private partnerships like this bring the funding and stewardship needed to continue providing world-class experiences for generations to come.”

“The trails, dunes, and open spaces create opportunities for adventure, connection, and recreation. The Foundation for America’s Public Lands and Polaris are investing in the places and communities that make off-road recreation possible. These grants give us the opportunity to partner with community groups, non-profits and BLM offices to support local efforts that promote responsible riding, enhance the riding experience, and strengthen stewardship,” shared Reid Wilson, President of Off-Road Vehicles, Polaris.

This new round of grants will support 10 projects in six states:

Route 66 Portal Signage (Arizona) Partnering with Tread Lightly! to replace outdated gateway signage along a 776-mile stretch across four Arizona OHV areas and BLM Back Country Byways.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (California) Working with the BLM El Centro Field Office and Glamis Veterans to support community safety training and clean-up event during Veterans Day weekend & California OHV Safety Week. This support will also help the local community group that manages the largest veterans offroad event in the country.

Fort Sage OHV Area (California) The BLM Eagle Lake Field Office will use the grant to improve the quality of access and safety for users around the growing recreation use at the Widowmaker trailhead and the Fort Sage OHV area with new kiosks, interpretive panels, overflow parking and improvements to the Green Sticker Legal entrance road.   

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area (California) Grant recipient Friends of Dunes will expand restoration work by removing invasive species and protection of snowy plover nesting sites. New interpretive panels will help visitors understand the area’s natural and cultural resources.

Dove Springs OHV (California) Friends of Jawbone will use the grant to improve the quality of access and safety for riders who love this iconic California riding area by replacing the main entrance kiosk and update signage with maps, route information, safety guidance, and responsible recreation messaging.

Horsethief Recreation Area (Montana) The BLM Billings Field Office and Roundup Riding Club will increase access with the addition of a new connector route, develop up to 10 miles of purpose-built motorized routes, and create an OHV training and obstacle area as well as a new parking lot, kiosks, and picnic area.  

Shoshone Trail (Nevada) The grant awarded to the Nevada Offroad Association will help increase access for visitors through the construction of a one-mile designated trail that links Shoshone to Mill Creek Campground.

Moab OHV Trailheads (Utah) The BLM Moab Field Office, in partnership with the State of Utah’s OHV Recreation grant, will improve access through updated trailhead kiosks and signage at popular OHV routes in the Moab area.

Killpecker Sand Dunes Campground (Wyoming) In partnership with Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund, this grant will help the BLM Rock Springs Field Office begin revitalizing the Killpecker Sand Dunes Campground, a primary gateway to a 12,000-acre open OHV area.

Darnell Hill Open OHV (Wyoming) The town of Lovell and BLM Cody Field Office, this project will enhance access and safety through updating infrastructure in the area, including building a new double-vault restroom, accessible walkway, updated signage, campsite improvements, and children’s OHV learner course.

These grants are just the latest round of investments thanks to the partnership between Polaris and the Foundation. Through their partnership, Polaris and the Foundation have supported 17 OHV projects on BLM-managed public lands, expanding recreation access, improving rider safety and supporting local communities, volunteers and veterans groups.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR AMERICA’S PUBLIC LANDS
As the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Foundation for America’s Public Lands serves as a convener, partner, and fundraising catalyst to help ensure the health and stewardship of America’s public lands and waters today, and for the future. To learn more, visit americaslands.org. 

ABOUT POLARIS
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) has been defining and redefining outdoor adventure since 1954. Polaris delivers industry-shaping off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, military, quadricycles, and commercial transportation vehicles, along with an expansive portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Its lineup includes some of the most iconic brands in powersports including the RANGER, RZR, Polaris XPEDITION, Bennington pontoons, Slingshot, and more. Headquartered in Minnesota and serving customers in nearly 100 countries, Polaris continues to set the standard for performance, quality, and unmatched service. Explore more at www.polaris.com.

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