June Public Meeting

Meeting June 29th 


Attended by:

        Mark R , Eric S, Jim S, Brian, Tanner, Jesse, Dawson, Dayna S., John L., Peyton H.

Treasurer Update

  • Current funds: ~$21,016 across BHCC accounts.

  • Combination of checking, savings, and high yield CD’s 

  • Update: we have been buying bolts, switching to glue in bolts, and buying new bolting kits

Bolting Committee Update

  • Additional hardware has now been powder-coated and is ready for use.

  • Reminder: BHCC’s role is education, access maintenance, and bolt replacement — not developing new routes.

    • Also: use report a bad bolt**

  • Matt Scherer is a new bolting committee member who has been outfitted with new bolting kit and on 

Mount Rushmore Hand Drilling Clarification Request

  • BHCC has submitted a formal clarification request to the National Park Service regarding hand drilling in the Mount Rushmore Memorial area.

  • Purpose: To affirm that hand-powered drilling (not motorized) for fixed anchors aligns with:

    • Long-standing local ethics

    • NPS “minimum tool” policies for backcountry use (per Director’s Order #41)

    • Language in the 2025 PARC Act, which supports fixed anchor use in wilderness

  • Emphasized that BHCC:

    • Promotes low-impact climbing

    • Serves as a communication bridge between climbers and land managers

    • Does not oversee or initiate new development

  • Awaiting formal response and further dialogue with park staff.

  • Coalition current stance and advice: do not put in any bolts at Mt. Rushmore until compendium has been updated

Forest Service Meeting Summary – Jim Schlicter (Hell Canyon District)

  • Met with Dan Austin (Recreational Specialist)

  • Topics:

    • Expressed appreciation for areas that are non-publicized 

      • Expressed lack of appreciation for spur trails→ please maintain “minimal” obvious trail offshoots especially for high traffic areas such as the Michelson trail to buckhorn

        • If you are accessing these areas, please do not make trails more obvious by building cairns or utilizing natural features 

        • For areas with “labeled” routes at the base, please keep plaques FACE DOWN in order to not be obviously visible 


  • Cairns removed at areas like Arch Rock and Happy Hour Crag to prevent unofficial trail formation

  • Buckhorn Crag: no concerns; discreet access appreciated

  • Plans to visit The Gash/New Domensions; wants input before new areas become active

  • Clarification during meeting provided: BHCC does not create new routes; we educate, maintain, and support access

  • Lakota Lake suggested as a model development zone

  • Staffing is very limited this year (only 2 employees in district)

    • Down from 3 seasonal ranger, and 4 year round employees

Forest Service Meeting Summary – Mark Rafferty (Northern Hills District)

  • Met with Aaron and Becca; toured: Skeletal, Botany, Mohican, Dark Side, access to Sunshine, and Shadowlands


  • Positive response: Forest Service impressed with trail condition, location, and development

    • Forest service stressed: we can continue as we have been with trails → decreasing impact, but told us to NOT add new material unless approved by Northern Hills District management

    • Not as concerned with climbers this year, but more concerned with ATVers

  • Dark Side:

    • OK’d single-cut tree removal near downed trees, and mossy trail repairs

      • Make it look as natural as possible

    • Requested email notifications for trail work (no new materials = no permit needed)

    • Foot bridge replacement for dark side: Aaron mentioned having a downed tree be turned into a bridge with rope siderails

      • Additionally, they might have another foot bridge like near the shadowlands → will get back to us about it.

    • Moss deterioration near the top of trail: we are ok’d to fix this area 

  • Requested examples of management plans from other states (Mark following up)

  • Strong relationship built for future collaboration


Tentative Pumpfest 2025 Itinerary & Volunteer Needs

July 25–27th 

Friday – July 25 (Outdoor Shop)

  • Food truck, vendors, music

  • Speaker: Heidi B., tentative time 4:00–5:30 PM

    • Venue: possibly Library – Brandon following up

  • Party at outdoor shop to follow

Saturday – July 26

Morning:

  • Yoga/Breathwork on Courthouse or Museum Lawn

    • Volunteer instructors, proceeds go to BHCC

    • Brandon coordinating; potential sponsorship from Baker’s Bakery

Daytime:

  • Climbing Clinics with guide service (pending)

    • Cost effective and funds donated to coalition

    • With Sylvan Rocks, Devils Tower Lodge, and Buckman Guide’s (waiting to hear back) 

  • Climbing Meetups at Outdoor Shop

  • Vendor Booths (permits underway – Lydia)

  • Coalition will not be putting up ropes this year due to liability concerns 

  • Parking down at VIP will be allowed for this event

Evening:

  • Community games and celebration

  • Main event @ The Beacon – music (Louie booked), tents, large crowd expected?

    • Ongoing discussion: whether BHCC should sponsor bands directly

Camping will be free:

  • Returning to Trail House site behind Custer Beacon

  • Sam Smolinsky said there was a 10 acre lot behind down 5-10 min walk, we will hear back if they will open it up for us


Volunteer Needs

  • Event setup:

  • booth support: 

  • trail helpers:

  • yoga instructors

  • Pumpfest Committee involvement encouraged

Confirmed & Potential Sponsors

  • Rab

  • CAMP

  • Mountain Hardwear (Gold Sponsor potential)

Outdoor Prolink Change

  • Granite Sports reached out to us personally due to a decrease in business from our user group

    • Roamin’ Around also expressed this

    • During the conversation some of the local companies expressed that they might be interested in a tiered membership program for discounts for coalition members.  Stay tuned

    • Member suggestion: monthly deal or promo for coalition member could improve local engagement with store

  • BHCC will no longer participate in Outdoor Prolink.

  • Decision based on alignment with our mission and operational direction.

    • Vice President Board Member Brandon abstained from vote

  • A formal announcement has been sent to affected parties.

Campground boulder update:

  • Jaimie was contacted about campground boulder previously

  • There will be an alternative to access the boulder created this fall hopefully

Open Comment

Meeting adjourned at 7:50


Black Hills Climbers Coalition