July 2025 Meeting

Meeting June 18th 

Attended by:

Mark R, Becky, Ron Y, Dawson, Jesse, Brian, Lucy (dog), Dayna, Cade, John L


Financial Update

• Combined total of approximately $21,000 in the coalition’s account.

⸻


Forest Service Updates & Meeting Highlights


Hell Canyon District (Dan Austin)

•Met to discuss areas including Buckhorn, Happy Hour Crag, and The Gash.

•Dan expressed concern about cairns creating unofficial trails; removed half of them.

•He wants to review areas before they become established climbing zones, particularly The Gash.

•No concerns with Buckhorn; appreciated minimal trail visibility.

•Expressed interest in learning the general crag development process.

•Emphasized that the coalition should clarify its role as an educational and access-maintenance group, not a developer.

•Forest Service staffing is significantly reduced this summer (only 2 employees vs. 10 last year).


Northern Hills Area (Aaron & Becca)

•Mark and Peyton toured several areas: Skeletal, Botany, Mohican, Dark Side, and Sunshine.

•FS was impressed with trail maintenance.

•Dark Side: They’re open to relocating the bridge; approved tree cutting and moss area repair (keep discreet).

•Aaron requests email notice for repairs and follow-ups.

•Major concern is not wanting responsibility for maintaining trails if FS sanctions them.

•Encouraged outreach to Hell Canyon District and shared interest in other states’ management plans.

•Good working relationship established; trail work without new materials is acceptable without issue.


Mt. Rushmore Update:

  • Still awaiting compendium response from them.

  • For now our stance and advice to local climbers: do not put in bolts (including hand drilling) until we hear back

Falcon Nesting:

  • For reporting, report to game fish and parks

  • Wyatt B. noticed falcons at Elkhorn- will forward our email address to 


Devils Tower bolt replacement clinic

  • DT has reached out to the coalition for a bolt replacement program. 

  • In the hands of the bolting committee at this point

  • Casey noted he has connections at DT 

Stay Tuned for the following:

  • Beans and Biners 

    • Dayna is interested in helping set it up

    • Discussion for future date: Will we be hanging up ropes for this event?

  • Spearfish Scramble (September)

Friday, July 25th

  • 4PM - 5PM: Speaker Event - DAVE RONE

    1. Located at the Custer Library (447 Crook St. #4, Custer, SD)

    2. Guest Speakers with Q&A to follow

    3. Schedule:

      • Murray La Hood: Talking about black hole resole

      • Luke Ross: Photo slide show

      • Dave Rone: Black Hills climbing and development

    4. 1 or 2 people: @ 3:30 

      • 1. Dayna 

      • 2. Tanner

  • 5:30 - 9PM: Kickoff Social 

    1. Volunteer: Wyatt B

    2. Located at the South Dakota Outdoor Shop

      • 429 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD

    3. YoYo Hibachi Food Truck available

    4. Lost Cabin Beer Takeover

    5. 5:30 - 6:30 PM: Social Hour

    7. 6:30-9PM Live Music by Neon Eyes

      • Learn more about the band below.

  • Free camping offered in the town of Custer

    1. Generously donated by Don’t Panic

    2. Book your spot below: Van, Car, and Tent site available

Saturday, July 26th

  • 7-8 AM: Yoga & Breathwork

    • Located at Custer Courthouse Museum Lawn (next to the Outdoor Shop)

      • 411 Mt. Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD

    • Breathwork led by Chris Pelczarski from Inner Earth Breathwork

      • Sign up and learn more below!

    • Yoga Class: Hatha Yoga for Climbers  led by Sarah Christiansen

      • Sign up and learn more below!

  • 8 AM: Climbing Clinic Check In

    • Location: SD Outdoor Shop

  • 7-10 AM: Coffee, Donuts, & Climbing Partner Meetup

    • Don’t have a partner for the day? Gather at the Outdoor Shop to fuel up on coffee and donuts, and connect with other climbers looking for partners!

    • Location: SD Outdoor Shop

Volunteer for 7-10 Coffee and Donuts: Brian

BRING Map Printout

@ 9 we will set up Sylvan Lake Coalition Booth

  • 8AM - 1PM: Climbing Clinics

    • Led by Sylvan Rocks Climbing Guide School (Pre-registration required)

    • Sign up and descriptions below!

  • 8AM - 4PM: CLIMBING in Custer State Park

    • See map below how to approach the Outlets climbing area

    • Outdoor vendors will have booths available by the climbing routes

      • Vendors include: CAAMP. Mountain Hardwear, Rab

  • 4:30 - 11 PM: After Party

    • Location: Custer Beacon

    • 5 - 7:30PM Yard Games, Vendors, Crate Stacking, Raffle Prizes

    • 7:30 - 10:30 PM: Live Music by Barstool Prophets

      • Learn more about the band below.

Other games: rope coiling, quickbeer, rope with buckets

Volunteers for Beacon after party:

4 volunteers: 

  1. Jessie (show up at 5 or 6)

  2. Dawson (show up at 5 or 6)

  3. Cade (belaying for crate stacking)

  4. Brian: managing bucket game 

  5. Beckey (maybe)

  6. Dayna and Tanner (maybe) 

  • Free camping offered in the town of Custer

    • Generously donated by Don’t Panic

    • Book your spot below: Van, Car, and Tent sites available

Sunday, July 27th

  • 8-9 AM: Yoga & Breathwork

    • Located at Custer Courthouse Museum Lawn (next to the Outdoor Shop)

      • 411 Mt. Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD

    • Breathwork led by Chris Pelczarski from Inner Earth Breathwork

      • Sign up and learn more below!

      • Cathedral Spires Meet at 9 am

    • Yoga Class: Yoga Flow and Guided Stretching led by Nikki Massek

      • Sign up and learn more below!

  • 8-10 AM: Coffee, Donuts, & Informal Climbing Partner Meetup

    • Don’t have a partner for the day? Gather at the Outdoor Shop to fuel up on coffee and donuts, and connect with other climbers looking for partners!

    • Location: SD Outdoor Shop



Black Hills Climbers Coalition