Aug. 2026 Meeting
BHCC Public Meeting Outline
Welcome : Attendees: Mark R, Peyton H, John L, Brian T, Wilson, Kyle, Ron (on the way).
Recent Event Highlights & Debrief
Pumpfest Debrief:
Recap and background of event discussed:
quite a hot event in July, good turn out still, future directions discussed
Guide clinics, yoga, food trucks, campground
Turnout & Revenue: Share overall success (approx. $2,000 profit from raffles, donations, T-shirts, silent auction, and hats; 60 attendees on Saturday).
Community Feedback: Discuss potential future changes (e.g., shifting dates toward Memorial Day weekend - weather depending, venue ideas and changes back to Beacon, vendor opportunities).
Upcoming Events & Stewardship Days
Beans and Carabiners: Scheduled for Saturday, September 5th.
History: Ron Yahne has been hosting this event for many years, a great opportunity to climb the South Seas and eat Ron’s legendary chili and any other bean side dishes.
Spearfish feedback -> this is the 50 weekend
National Scenic Byway Day (Sept 22): Sharing promotional resources and photos featuring Peter Norbeck and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byways.
Potentially busier weekend in the canyon, stay tuned for more info
Spearfish Scramble (Sept 26) happening this year!
Previously hosted by crux club BH
Details: Scorecard format, awards, and local venue locations (e.g., La Deux, Sawyer).
We will meet in town of spearfish
Location recommendations from spearfish community:
The lodge or the latchstring
Cheyenne crossing
Start in the canyon proper, have the after party town
Committee Callout: Call for volunteers to join the Scramble Committee.
Stay tuned for email and please sign up to be involved!
National Public Lands Day (Sept 26): Volunteer workday at Cascade Falls Picnic Site and the season-ending Moon Walk guided hike in the Mystic Ranger District.
Reel Rock (Upcoming): Announcements and details on the upcoming film screening/event (earliest will be October 24th)
We will be doing one showing at the Elks, stay turned for the actual date.
Catching Pine Cones: A fun/community icebreaker or activity to kick off the session (November)
Next event for film showing we would like to host in spearfish
The Mellow film festival brought to spearfish is a potential future direction for an additional event!
Local Stewardship & Area Updates
Spearfish Aqueducts Maintenance
Reports are that the climbing is still accessible with contracted workers guiding climbers past construction zones.
The process will be over in October
Photo has been overlaid onto the climbing areas - we will post this to the mountain project, our email list, and our website.
If issues arise with this, please contact the coalition. We have contacts with individuals in charge of the project and they are responsive to our requests and very agreeable to working with us collaboratively!
Puncture concerns with rebar sticking out from around the pipe, can we ask them to clear this (or ask them if we can clear it?)
Kyle suggested a walkthrough towards the end of project to ensure things fit our needs, what we can work on and maintain around the pipeline, and make sure final touches work with what climbers needs
Status update on trail access, hardware, and bolting/maintenance efforts.
Bolting committee wants to re-bolt the thunderhead wall, they want to do a big day out there this fall.
Kyle would like an update with this prior to
Greg at the ASCA has been providing Kyle with gear for replacement in the canyon, suggesting we reach out to them.
Brian will follow up with
Concerns about new hardwear going up in canyon
Open shuts and bolts made of zinc going in, causing concern
Kyle requested best practices education comes from the coalition for educating public on best bolting practices
Using proper hardware to prevent streaking, cleaning routes safely, etc
Black Beddy 11d
HWY 85 Construction Comment Period: Advocacy update regarding the road construction from Cheyenne Crossing to Wyoming; encouraging public comments.
Discussion took place about this
Community members in spearfish expressed concerns with project and spoke out against it
Reports that the DOT meeting had many community members in general speaking out against it.
Basecamp Storage Unit Relocation: Quick update on moving inventory into Black Hills Basecamp.
Educational Brochures: Overview of Leave No Trace (LNT), climbing etiquette, and ethics resources being developed.
Pit toilet at Wrinkled Rock
We are in charge of pumping it once per year to mitigate costs (and prevent day use fee)
We will be painting the mural inside since we will be a sponsor. Please reach out if you have any artists in mind.
Open Forum: Spearfish Community Listening Session
Dedicated Spot for Spearfish Residents & Climbers
Open floor to hear from the local community: What can the Black Hills Climbing Coalition do for Spearfish?
Grill out at icebox was favored by spearfish community members
Anytime of year could be good
Mellow film festival
Ranch access for bouldering near Beulah.
Discussion of 501c3 status and endowment took place
Best practices:
For our best practices post on CSP and Rushmore, we should include best practices for spearfish canyon
Gather feedback on local access issues, desired trail work, hardware/bolting needs, or community events.
Trail zones that need work
Black Betty
Bunny Slopes - Wilson is willing to assist on trail day, reaching out to him when needed!
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Summary of action items and how to stay involved.
Social media and contact reminders.