Yamaha U.S. Marine Donates Boats and Engines to Support Georgia DNR Operations
In a continued demonstration of its commitment to environmental stewardship and public safety, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit has announced an enhanced partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the generous donation of three fully outfitted G3® boats, complete with 25-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and accompanying trailers. These vessels are designated for critical use across several divisions within the Georgia DNR, with deployment targeted for key waterways throughout the state.
This donation further strengthens a collaborative relationship that has spanned more than a decade and supports Georgia DNR’s vital mission of natural resource conservation, law enforcement, and public education. Specifically, the newly donated boats will be utilized by three major branches of the agency: the Law Enforcement Division, State Parks and Historic Sites Division, and the Wildlife Resources Division. Yamaha’s contribution includes one G3 1860VBW boat equipped with a 25-horsepower outboard, and two 17-foot G3 CCJ boats, each with a 25-horsepower Yamaha engine. The boats are also delivered with trailers to ensure full operational mobility.
The vessels are set to be deployed at three key locations: Lake Lanier, High Falls State Park, and the Marben Public Fishing Area, all of which are high-traffic recreational and conservation areas that benefit from increased patrolling, emergency readiness, and public interaction.
Meeting a Critical Need
Boats are an essential asset for the Georgia DNR, enabling field officers and park personnel to navigate waterways for a variety of mission-critical tasks. These range from public safety enforcement and wildlife inspections to emergency response and educational outreach.
“Boats are a critical need for an agency like the Georgia DNR. To put it simply, we could not fully do all the tasks required to serve the citizens of Georgia without the use of boats, so this donation is a much-welcomed addition to our ‘tool chest’ of resources,” said Ted Will, Director of the Wildlife Resources Division at Georgia DNR. “Partners like Yamaha are invaluable to our agency, and we’re grateful for their continued support of the Georgia DNR.”
From search-and-rescue missions to responding to natural disasters and enforcing conservation regulations, the Georgia DNR’s diverse range of responsibilities makes access to reliable and efficient marine equipment a top priority. This donation from Yamaha comes at a time when outdoor recreational activities continue to increase across the state, placing additional demands on DNR personnel and infrastructure.
A Life-Saving Impact
The significance of Yamaha’s donation goes beyond enhanced operational capability—it can ultimately translate into life-saving action. Col. Mike England, Director of the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division, emphasized how vital properly equipped vessels are during high-pressure situations.
“During an emergency or natural disaster, it is critical that our team has access to the best equipment in order to carry out the job successfully,” England said. “Yamaha appreciates the importance of these situations and understands our Marine need for safe, reliable vessels. The donation of these boats could ultimately save lives down the road.”
Georgia’s vast network of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas demands a robust and mobile enforcement presence. Whether assisting stranded boaters, patrolling for illegal hunting or fishing activity, or helping during flood events, these boats will be key tools for the agency’s field staff.
Yamaha’s Continued Commitment to Conservation and Community
The Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia, is no stranger to conservation and public service initiatives. The company’s long-standing relationship with the Georgia DNR is rooted in a shared commitment to preserving the state’s natural beauty and ensuring the safety of those who enjoy its waterways.
“Yamaha’s relationship with the Georgia DNR goes back more than a decade and, like the Georgia DNR, Yamaha is dedicated to protecting our state’s public waterways,” said John O’Keefe, Senior Specialist for Government Relations at Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The work they do is critical for the safety of boaters in our state as well as for the conservation of the natural resources in our backyard. It’s an honor to play a small role in empowering the efforts of the Georgia DNR.”
As part of its broader corporate responsibility initiatives, Yamaha frequently supports conservation education, marine safety programs, and sustainability projects both in Georgia and nationally. Through these efforts, Yamaha helps promote safe and responsible boating while reinforcing the importance of environmental preservation.
Supporting Georgia DNR’s Broader Mission
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates through five major divisions, each tasked with specific aspects of the state’s environmental and cultural heritage. These divisions include the Coastal Resources Division, Environmental Protection Division, Law Enforcement Division, State Parks and Historic Sites Division, and Wildlife Resources Division. Together, they oversee a range of activities from water quality management to historic preservation and wildlife conservation.
Yamaha’s donation supports the three divisions most directly engaged with on-the-water operations:
- Law Enforcement Division: Responsible for patrolling state waters, enforcing boating and fishing laws, and responding to emergencies.
- State Parks and Historic Sites Division: Oversees more than 60 parks and historic sites, many of which include lakes, rivers, and boating facilities.
- Wildlife Resources Division: Manages public fishing areas and conducts research and educational programs on Georgia’s diverse species and habitats.
By equipping these divisions with new boats and reliable engines, Yamaha is helping DNR personnel better manage state resources, improve visitor safety, and respond more efficiently to environmental challenges.
Industry Leadership in Marine Innovation
Yamaha Marine Engine Systems is a globally recognized brand known for engineering high-performance, reliable outboard motors. In the United States, Yamaha supports a network of over 2,000 dealers and boat builders, offering not just products but also extensive training, service, and marketing resources.
Yamaha Marine is also the only outboard brand to have earned the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA®) Customer Satisfaction Index (C.S.I.) award every year since the program’s inception, a testament to the company’s customer-first philosophy and product excellence.
The G3® boats included in this donation are purpose-built for durability and performance in a variety of environments—from shallow creeks to large lakes—making them an ideal choice for government agencies that require robust, easy-to-maintain equipment.
A Call for Responsible Boating
In conjunction with this donation, Yamaha reminds all boaters to practice safe and responsible behavior while on the water. That includes wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, following all applicable boating laws, refraining from drinking and operating vessels, and ensuring vessels are equipped with the necessary safety gear.
This commitment to safety is shared by both Yamaha and the Georgia DNR, who together seek to reduce accidents, preserve public trust, and enhance the overall boating experience for all.
The partnership between Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources reflects a shared mission to safeguard natural resources, support public recreation, and protect lives. Through this latest donation of boats, outboards, and trailers, Yamaha is not only providing valuable equipment but also reinforcing its deep-rooted commitment to public service, safety, and sustainability. As Georgia’s population continues to grow and outdoor recreation surges in popularity, such partnerships will play an increasingly important role in the responsible management and preservation of the state’s treasured waterways.