July 2026 Meeting

Attended by: John L, Brian T, Courtney G., Murray, Kate, Tony B, Mo, Ron Y., and Remington 

July 2026: BHCC Public Community Meeting Agenda

I. Welcome & Introductions

  • Welcome everyone and thank them for supporting Black Hills climbing stewardship.

  • Introduce BHCC board members and volunteers in attendance.

II. Land Management & Access Updates 

Custer State Park Partnerships

  • Ongoing collaboration with CSP on trail management and access.

  • No major trail updates currently, but recent windstorms have created additional downed trees.

  • Continued discussions about how climbers can support future trail maintenance efforts. 

  • Stay tuned for trail dates

Visitor Education Brochure

Working with land managers on a climbing information brochure covering:

  • Local climbing ethics and history 

  • Maps, access, and contact info

  • Fire safety reminders

  • Located at park entrances and potentially at the entrance to outlets. 

Community Feedback Requested:

  • What information do visitors most need before climbing here?

Fire Restrictions & Current Conditions

  • Fire restrictions remain an important issue.

  • BHCC is helping share updates from CSP and the Black Hills National Forest.

  • Information will be available on the BHCC website and in future educational materials.

Spearfish Area Updates

  • Potential temporary closures near Dark Side and Shadowlands due to aqueduct repairs. Work will continue for a couple of months. 

  • Please respect any posted closures.

  • BHCC is working directly with project contacts and will share updates as information becomes available.

  • Referendum to rebuild 85 highway, encroach on creekside. There is much opposition from the community. Need more information on this project. Stay tuned for links to public comment if they become available.

III. Wrinkled Rock Infrastructure & Stewardship 

Toilet Funding Partnership

  • BHCC voted to assist with funding for annual pumping of the trailhead restroom.

  • We’re reaching out to local artists to create a mural in the Wrinkled Rock toilet (e.g., Matt Carpenter)

    • Would cost approximately $500-$1000 

IV. Hardware & Route Stewardship Report

Bolting Committee Updates

  • New hardware and repair supplies are being purchased. No other repair updates. 

  • The bolting committee settled on buying mussy hooks for standardization instead of chain/drop ins

    • Buying approximately $1000 worth soon. 

V. Events & Community Activities 

Pumpfest 2026

July 24–26, 2026 Gold Valley Campground

What to Expect

  • Community climbing weekend

  • Camping at GVC (sign up through BHCC website) 

  • Stickers, shirts, hats, raffle, and snacks 

    • Silent auction continuously through the weekend.  

  • Guest speakers (Saturday night 5 or 6 pm)

    • Heidi B. and Bill H

  • Yoga sessions (Saturday/Sun Mon at 9am, GVC) 

  • Food vendors (Friday, Sat, Sun) 

  • Climbing clinics (Sat/Sun) - sign up through BHCC website, hosted by Sylvan Guides 

    • Intro to Climbing (Saturday)

    • Intro to Multipitch (Sunday)

  • Vendor booths (Fri)

  • Tshirts for sale: $25

Important Event Update

  • Pumpfest will be a "Lead Your Own" / Guide-Supported Event. BHCC will not be hanging top ropes due to insurance and liability requirements.

  • Please let us know if you want to volunteer!

VI. Membership & Coalition Updates 

BHCC License Plate Initiative

  • The specialty plate application has been approved.

  • Members will soon be able to display BHCC support through South Dakota specialty plates.

  • Instructions will be posted on the website.

Save-the-Dates

  • Spearfish Scramble (Sept. 26th) 

  • Beans and Beans (Labor Day) 

  • Upcoming fall trail days (TBD) 

VII. Community Discussion/Walk-on Topics

  • Remington concerned about rap anchors for the spire traverse from a minimal impact perspective. 

  • Public comment period for construction on darkside/sunshine corridor.

    • In comments, members suggested pushing for more shoulder parking at Darkside and Shadowlands

  • Option for the future: have vendors pay to have tables at Pumpfest

  • Mo mentioned interest in bouldering day/event with discussion of event taking place.

  • Remington mentioned suggestion of competition at Pumpfest for future years.

  • Spearfish Scramble idea: costume contest with event tied to prizes

  • Collab with Mary B for crack circuit for an additional event?



Black Hills Climbers Coalition