Despite rainy conditions, more than 30 volunteers removed more than 6 tons of garbage, including 70 tires and 31 gallons of used motor oil, from public land north of Rifle Saturday as part of an annual Hubbard Mesa cleanup, an event sponsored by several local off-highway vehicle groups.

Volunteers from the High Country 4 Wheelers and the White River Trail Runners filled two 40-yard trash containers with a variety of garbage that had accumulated since last year’s cleanup.

Local businesses donated the large trash containers, which volunteers filled using a front-end loader and a skid-steer also donated by local businesses.

Much of the debris this year was associated with irresponsible target shooting.

“While most people who target shoot in this area do so responsibly, we are seeing an increase in litter associated with shooting,” said Greg Wolfgang, outdoor recreation planner for the Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office. “We ask that people clean up after shooting and avoid shooting items that will be difficult to remove, such as glass containers.”

If you see somebody dumping on public lands, call the local sheriff or BLM office, he added.

“We really appreciate the continued volunteer support from the local clubs, businesses, users and local governments, which will help the BLM provide better recreational opportunities,” Wolfgang said. “We look forward to a day where this type of annual cleanup won’t be necessary.”