BLM, Cerbat Ridge Runners, and Mohave County Park Police team up for Hualapai Mountain Road cleanup

In a strong show of community stewardship and collaboration, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Kingman Field Office partnered with the Cerbat Ridge Runners and Mohave County Park Police to remove more than a ton of trash from public lands along Hualapai Mountain Road on April 1, 2025. 

The idea for the cleanup began in late March when the Cerbat Ridge Runners, a local off-road enthusiast group, reached out to BLM to coordinate a cleanup event. Just days later, 23 volunteers gathered at milepost 4.5 — proving that April Fools’ Day is no joke when it comes to caring for the land. BLM staff expanded the effort to include the Devil’s Dip area, and within four hours, volunteers had removed 2,160 pounds of trash from the desert. 

The Ridge Runners’ involvement in public land cleanups is no accident. The group has a long-standing tradition of community service that goes far beyond the trail.  

“We’re all part of the Kingman community, and we want to give back to the place we live and ride,” said Gary Williams, club president. “Whether it’s supporting a cleanup, running toys to local kids at Christmas, or sponsoring membership fees at the Boys and Girls Club, we’re here to help however we can.” 

According to Williams, the group previously cleaned a more remote location near Wikieup, but as the work became more physically demanding, they decided to bring their efforts closer to home. The shift led to a new partnership with BLM and Mohave County’s Environmental Rural Area Cleanup Enforcement (ERACE) program. 

“ERACE is always happy to work with volunteer or government groups by providing any resources we have to help keep our shared desert areas free of trash debris,” said Chief Todd Davison of the Mohave County Park Police. “On Tuesday, we supported BLM’s litter cleanup effort by covering landfill costs for the deposited litter and providing law enforcement presence for land violations.” 

“Our public lands are strongest when they reflect the care and pride of the local community,” said Amanda Dodson, Field Manager for the BLM Kingman Field Office. “Thanks to the Cerbat Ridge Runners and ERACE, this cleanup was more than just trash removal—it was a reflection of the values we share here in Kingman.” 

For the Cerbat Ridge Runners, the event wasn’t just about cleaning up — it was about connection. Gar, a Ridge Runner, said it plainly: “We appreciate being able to use the land, so we want to help out and keep it clean.” 

Janet, another Ridge Runner who has participated in the group’s cleanups for the past two years, added, “I like to keep the desert clean.” 

Thanks to the proactive effort of volunteers, the support of ERACE, and the coordination of the Kingman Field Office, the cleanup was a success by every measure. And with growing interest in future cleanups, it’s clear the momentum isn’t slowing down.