PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — An effort to clean up the Missouri River area in Pierre generated more than 1,800 pounds of garbage.

KCCR radio reports that about 70 volunteers spent several hours Wednesday fishing garbage from the river and picking it up along the shoreline. Officials say high winds and severe weather in the area cut the event short.

More than 16.5 tons of trash has been collected since the annual event began in 2009.

The cleanup happens shortly after the Fourth of July holiday, when heavy boat traffic leaves behind a lot of garbage.

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