Next Black Hills Climbers Coalition meeting:

Tuesday, June 21, 7:00 p.m., Rockerville at Gaslight Resturant.

About 12 enthusiastic members showed up for our June meeting.  Dave Springhetti (acting Co-chair) kept the meeting on track. A number of topics were discussed and voted on.

A new Publicist was voted into office, Gus Malon.  In accordance to Coalition By Laws this position is to run until the end of the calendar year.  The Coalition also thanks former Publicist Duane Martenson for his service.  Gus will be implementing a number of changes in the website in the coming months.

There was great kudos from members on the success of the Knots & Nuts event.  First year events are tough to get organized but everyone who participate from novices to 15+ year climbers learned something at the event.  Thanks to Exum for the insurance, all the guides, and volunteers. The Coalition needs more of these types of events!

The upcoming Pumpfest was also discussed. The Pumpfest format has changed this year due to the Access Fund losing their forest indemnification insurer and Coalition concerns for individual member’s personal liability. In the past the Pumpfest has been the main fund raising event for the Coalition.  These funds support various Coalition projects that are aimed at improving and preserving the climbing opportunities we enjoy in the Black Hills. It is vital to us as climbers that we support the climbing community through the Coalition’s efforts. The event will be held on July 30^th this year, expect a great show/auction after a fun filled day in the Black Hills. The Coalition needs your support!!!  See you July 30^th in Keystone.

Mande Shaykett spoke on the current happenings with the Devils Tower Climbing Management Plan.  We are fortunate that Coalition Member@Large Mande is on the National Park Service (NPS) Committee for the Plan.  It has become apparent that the NPS would like compliance on the June closure.  This is a passionate issue for a lot of folks.  There are arguments on both sides.  Each individual needs to decide if they want to climb in June.  One way to look at it is; if you have a full time job this would mean you couldn’t climb at Devils Tower for 8 total days out of 365 (4 weekends).  Another way to look at it is; certain user groups are using this issue to their advantage and may want more.  Mande did present the fact that the Monument was designated by the Antiquities Act which authorized the President, by proclamation, to set aside "historical landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are upon lands owned or controlled by the United States as National Monuments."  Interpret that how you wish for what the Monument was designated for.  Find out more @ www.nps.gov/deto/climbing.htm

A motion was passed and carried to rotate meetings to different locations for the rest of 2005.  The July meeting has been scheduled for June 19, 7:00 pm, Spearfish @Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Future dates and locations will be decided soon.

There was also some discussion on where the future of the Coalition is headed.  We need to bring the FUN back in to the Coalition.  Issues are important to discuss but not drag on.  It is the Coalition Boards responsibility to carry the big issues forward to the community and the land managers.  Its also the elected committee’s responsibility to do their assigned task and report back to the membership.  Everyone agrees the time for petty bickering is over.  Issues have been voted on, discussions closed and everyone is ready to move forward.  This is OUR Club we can take it anywhere we want.

 AGENDA  ITEMS for JUNE MEETING

·         Custer State Park Bolting Permits

·         BHCC Committee roles

·         Final Pumpfest Fundraiser details

·         Examination of the By Laws

·         Beverage drinking & FUN talk about climbing!