Polaris awards $200K in support of OHV access
Polaris, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, recently announced the 2026 recipients of the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants, marking a major milestone in the partnership — the fund is now fully endowed, securing long-term support for outdoor recreation.
The achievement provides ongoing, sustainable funding to advance access to off-highway vehicle recreation, trail stewardship, responsible riding education, and conservation efforts across U.S. national forests and surrounding land.
Established through a $5 million commitment announced in 2021, the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation supports annual grants that improve OHV trail systems, restore recreation infrastructure, enhance signage, and help promote safe and enjoyable riding experiences. With the endowment now fully established, this support will continue for generations to come.
“Our relationship with the NFF is rooted in a shared commitment to investing in the future of American outdoor recreation and caring for the places that make it possible.” — Jess Rogers, vice president of communications and community giving, Polaris
Grant recipients
This year, nearly $200,000 in funding will support seven initiatives across multiple National Forests located in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Vermont to help address trail maintenance, safety, sustainability, and responsible riding education for both OHV and snowmobile users. Projects selected for 2026 include:
- 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.”
The endowment issued its first grant in 2022. Since then, Polaris and the NFF have supported 10 on‑the‑ground projects across eight national forests.
To learn more about the Polaris and NFF partnership, please visit here.
