Polaris and National Forest Foundation Fully Endow Outdoor Recreation Fund, Announce 2026 Grant Recipients
Polaris Inc. and the National Forest Foundation announced the full endowment of the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation and the seven projects receiving nearly $200,000 in 2026 grants.
- $5 million
- nearly $200,000
- 10
What Happened
Polaris Inc. and the National Forest Foundation announced that the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation is now fully endowed, securing ongoing annual support for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, trail stewardship, and conservation. Established with a $5 million commitment in 2021, the fund has already supported ten projects since its first grant in 2022.
- Sedona Forest Road Speed Pilot Project – Coconino National Forest, Arizona: Install speed-limit and radar signage along an OHV route.
- Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area Snowmobile Support – White River National Forest, Colorado: Donate a snowmobile and equipment for winter patrols.
- Tenderfoot Mountain Trail Maintenance – White River National Forest, Colorado: Tread repair and corridor clearing on a multi-use trail.
- Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride Sustainability Project – Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan: Trailhead improvements for shared ORV/snowmobile route.
- Corridor 19 Improvements – White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire: Drainage and surface work on four miles of snowmobile corridor.
- Wayehutta OHV Trail System Improvements – Nantahala National Forest, Tennessee: Erosion control and restoration after Hurricane Helene.
“Our relationship with the National Forest Foundation is rooted in a shared commitment to investing in the future of American outdoor recreation and caring for the places that make it possible.”
Why this matters
The permanent endowment ensures long-term funding for trail stewardship, access improvements, and responsible riding education across National Forests, benefiting outdoor recreation for generations.
Terms in This Story
- OHV
- Off-highway vehicle, such as ATVs and side-by-sides, used on unpaved trails.
- NFF
- National Forest Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service.
- endowment
- A permanent fund that provides ongoing financial support through investment earnings.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.