February 2026 Minutes

Opening & Welcome

New Faces.


BHCC is now planning out further so mark the calendars.


Attended by: Peyton H, Kiki R, Ron Y., John L., Ricky R, Jessie, Dawson, Jim, Tanner, Dayna, Matt, Shaun, Mark, Brian, Charlie B.


New committee update: Courtney G. appointed the new fundraising committee chair.


Matt Scherer got bolting permits submitted and approved


1. Access & The "Dog Park" Update

  • The City Proposal: City suggested climbing development at the Dog Park.

Rapid city recreational project has funding dedicated to increasing climbing near Rapid

The BHCC Stance: "We’ve listened to your feedback. We don't believe the Dog Park is the right fit. We are currently drafting an email to the City to suggest other unique ideas."

We are considering suggesting a bouldering area 

  • Land Managers: we are setting up meetings with Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore at the end of February to meet and finalize Spring Trail Days.

    • Locations suggested:

      • General trails nned clean up from wind storms

      • SPIRES: 2-3 gulley there is a big tree down

      • Spearfish trails are also really bad: sunshine

      • Sinkhole forming by bunny slope

      • For members cleaning up down trees: 

        • For the majority of areas use a hand saw (CSP, Rushmore, Wilderness), for spearfish cutting already downed trees is appropriate and land managers are happy with whatever we do as long as “keep doing what we are doing.”

2. Hardware & The Limestone Guide

Bolting Wins: All permits for Rushmore and Custer are officially approved.

Safety Standard: Mention the shift from mussy hooks to drop ins

The Guidebook: Huge news! Mike Cronin’s new Limestone Guidebook drops in June.

  • The Pitch: "The BHCC is buying a full-page ad." 

    • Stay tuned for voting on the images once we decide a few

Hardware Order: We are preparing our yearly order (150+ bolts). Note: steel prices are fluctuating, prices may be higher.

Approx estimate at $2000

4. Upcoming Events

  • Film Screenings: We are looking into hosting Catching Pinecones and Reel Rock.

    • Catching pinecones: Conn documentary 

      • Eventually we want to establish a screening in Custer

      • Eric  Zimmerman mentioned a showing at the journey museum

    • Reel rock moved to the fall

      • We discussed doing one showing instead of two

  • Pumpfest/Scramble: Save the dates on the calendar. We are looking at possibly moving Pumpfest to Tenpins to change things up.

    • Scramble scheduled for 26th of September - still fleshing out details. 

    • Pumpfest: July 24, 25, 26

      • Ropes not placed by coalition this previous year: 

        • Feedback: helped members/climbers meet each other

      • Considering placing just a few ropes/changing location

        • Members did not like the idea of spires as much

        • Ten pins 

          • Members liked the idea going to ten pins, but concerns with number of routes available and ease of routes (difficult for newer climbers to lead anything)

        • Generally, the members seemed to agree outlets still remain one of the better locations

      • Camping location: We are consider campground buyout with most activities localized to one area

      • Speaker: 

        • Heidi Badaracco will be coming to give a talk

        • Bill Hatcher may also be presenting, Nat Geo photographer may give talk and show photos

        • Library versus beacon: 

          • People enjoyed the atmosphere of the beacon. We would consider renting it out if possible to minimize noise for the event. And also possibly charge for the event

          • Library - we can rent out supplies to have talks at the campground as a backup plan.

    • Clinics on Sunday were appreciated by the members so they could still attend other events/climbing

4. What the board is up to next

  • Newsletter: Kirsten is launching a quarterly newsletter in March. 

    • Reach out with any ideas to include in the event!

    • Some members appreciate emails for reminders

    • Meetings are posted for entire year

  • Memberships: We have board members working on memberships/tiers/easier access to your account (courney, john & mark)

    • Prolink canceled last year: discussed why this perk ended for members

      • Coalition wanted to show our support to local shops

      • Local shops discussed the impact of prolink on not just climbing equipment sales but overall outdoor equipment sales. 

      • Discussion of showing  support for them, just as they support us, took place.

    • Autopay**

  • Events: We are reaching out to Custer places for pumpfest, chatting about reel rock, Journey Museum grant (mark), bouldering day (potentially in fall (Oct.), deciding dates still)

  • Hats & Shirts: We are wanting to bring in some new merch

    • Ideas given:

Baseball cap with coalition logo

We want a general tshirt design and might do a competition for pumpfest design

Courtney had mentioned a local T-Shirt shop she knows

Shaun knows 87central screen print design from iowa

Kiki knows image360 from beetle burn shirts, good on short notice

Chalk bags? 

Beanies

5. Bylaws Update report (voted on by Board)

  • Pitch 1 & 2: Explain that we are cleaning up our bylaws.

Pitch 1

5.1a - Anyone with an interest in climbing may be a member of the BHCC.

5.1b - A member must pay annual dues as set up by the board to be a voting member of BHCC.

Pitch #1 – Membership

  • 5.1a: Approved

  • 5.1b: Approved


Pitch II | Duties of Membership

5.2a - All members of the BHCC shall have a thorough knowledge of the bylaws and agree to abide by them and any decision or actions made by the membership.

5.2b - It shall be the duty of each member of the BHCC to take part in its activities and meetings as much as is possible.

5.2c - Members of the BHCC should refuse to participate in illegal activities concerning climbing.

5.2d - Members of the BHCC have a duty to represent climbing to the public in a positive manner.

Pitch #2 – Duties of Membership

  • 5.2a: Change “membership” to coalition

  • 5.2b: Approved

  • 5.2c: Approved

  • 5.2d: Approved

6. Closing

  • Q&A: Open the floor for any community questions.

    • One member was curious about permits for developing areas, we discussed that no permits are needed for development, but to ensure following ethics and laws for power tools/hand drilling.

What’s Next?

  • Newsletter: Look for our first quarterly newsletter from Kirsten in March.

  • Get Involved: If you have design ideas for our new merch or topics for the newsletter, reach out!


Black Hills Climbers Coalition