BHCC 2024 Year-in-Review: Celebrating Progress and Community
2024 Year-in-Review Announcement
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to share the highlights of another impactful year. Thanks to your support, BHCC has made strides in preserving, protecting, and promoting climbing in the Black Hills.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
This year, BHCC was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, retroactive to January 2024! This status allows us to:
Accept tax-deductible donations.
Apply for grants, such as the Access Fund grant we received to support climbing projects.
Build partnerships with local businesses and national brands, ensuring long-term sustainability for our mission.
Community Partnerships
During our events, BHCC introduced a tiered sponsorship system for local businesses. This allowed sponsors to choose their level of support, with higher-tier donors receiving special recognition as “Proud Partners of the BHCC” on our website for the entire year.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our 2024 Proud Partners for their generous contributions:
Granite Sports
South Dakota Outdoor Shop
Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service
Black Hills Basecamp
Your support has directly impacted climbing initiatives, community events, and the overall growth of the BHCC. Thank you for helping us keep climbing in the Black Hills thriving!
Advocacy and Access Updates
Wrinkled Rock Advocacy:
We held direct meetings with the Black Hills National Forest Service (BHNFS) to address proposed parking fees for Wrinkled Rock.
Conducted a community survey to ensure climber voices are heard.
Established ongoing discussions to secure affordable access while protecting climbers’ needs.
To learn more about this proposal [click here]
Collaboration with Land Managers:
BHCC now has direct communication with all Black Hills land managers, including Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, and BHNFS.
We are collaborating with all land managers to create a comprehensive climbing management plan for the entire Black Hills. This plan aims to clarify climbing regulations, ensure environmental conservation, and protect access to Black Hills climbing for future generations.
Event Highlights
Reel Rock 18:
This event brought climbers together for an evening of climbing films with proceeds reinvested into climbing initiatives.
Black Hills “Base-comp” Booth:
BHCC hosted a booth at the Basecamp Bouldering Competition, sharing updates and engaging with the climbing community.
Pumpfest:
A huge success, thanks to our sponsors and volunteers. Funds raised supported bolting projects, trail day preparations, and other community events.
Beans & ‘Biners:
A casual potluck in September that fostered connections and strengthened community ties.
Organizational Improvements
Board Terms and SOPs:
Passed a motion for two-year board member terms to improve continuity and efficiency.
Began the creation of operating procedures and standards of practice for each board position, ensuring smooth transitions during board rotations.
Email and Website Updates:
Fixed communication platform glitches.
All board members now have full access to email and website tools, improving transparency and efficiency.
Bouldering Guidebook Support:
Purchased an ad to support the creation of the new Black Hills bouldering guidebook by Logan Grosz.
Bolting and Maintenance Projects
Access Fund Grant:
BHCC was awarded a $1,600 Access Fund grant to support bolt replacement projects.
New Glue-In Hardware:
The bolting committee has switched from using mechanical bolts and received a full supply of glue-in hardware.
Training Day:
Hosted a glue-in training day for bolting committee members to ensure proper use and installation techniques.
Completed Bolt Replacements:
Replaced outdated bolts on key routes, including:
Mount Rushmore
Climbus Interruptus
Garfield’s Forgiven Affair
Not Too Steep for My Lichen
Custer State Park
Right Wight
Thrain
Thror
Bolt Upright
Shelob
Unnamed route behind Waste Knot #1
Unnamed route behind Waste Knot #2
Gates of Mordor
Vertigo
Spearfish Canyon
Drizzle
Arcing Arm Hairs
F5
Supercell
Gale Force
Alice
Storm Chaser
Tempest
Trail Day Preparations:
Planned maintenance projects for areas like Dark Side, Bunny Slope, Campground Boulder, Cathedral Spires, and Middle Earth.
Financial Growth
Thanks to your support, BHCC’s total assets grew by an impressive 62.3%, starting with $13,018.93 in January and increasing to $21,119.71 in December. This growth reflects successful fundraising efforts, careful spending, and generous contributions from our community.
Membership Updates
New Subscription Model:
BHCC introduced a new subscription system for memberships, allowing easier management and better control for our members.
Membership Dues:
Increased to $35 to fund operational improvements and climbing area projects.
If you haven’t renewed your membership yet,
Looking Ahead to 2025
In 2025, BHCC is excited to bring back the Spearfish Scramble, expanding our events into the northern Black Hills to strengthen connections and highlight our involvement in the region. We’ll also focus on trail maintenance projects to improve access and finalize a climbing management plan in collaboration with local land managers.
Additional goals include growing events like Pumpfest, advancing bolting projects with new hardware, and hosting stewardship workshops to promote responsible climbing. To support these initiatives, we’ll build stronger partnerships, pursue fundraising opportunities, and improve infrastructure, including parking and signage upgrades.
BHCC Board 2024
President: Mark Rafferty
Vice President: Brandon Emery
Treasurer: Jim Slichter
Secretary: John Lang
Publicist: Peyton Rafferty
Bolting Committee Chair: Chris Hirsch
Co-Member at Large: Ron Yahne
Co-Member at Large: Jason McNabb
Get Involved
Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or climbing responsibly, your support helps keep the Black Hills climbing community strong. Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024—let’s make 2025 even better!