July 2024 Minutes

People Present: 

Mark Rafferty, Peyton Rafferty, Brandon Emery, Ron Yahne, Ricky Ristau, John Lang, Ryan, Charlie Brumbraugh, Natalia, and Brandon


Land Managers/Climbing Access:

  • Want to set up meetings this fall about Climbing Management Plan

    • We want to sit down and chat with them about specifics regarding the old plan becoming an updated one

  • Spearfish Boulder Field Near N. Interstate was discussed to regain access with the land owner? 

    • Reached out to Lee Terveen about this area

    • Lee said it would be worthwhile to invest time into this moving forward


  • Mt. Rushmore

    • Wrinkled rock weed pull day July 11th 

      • Update on that day: Went on trail to GGTW to pull thistles. Only around 4 people showed up. Better turn out next time would be good.  Hounds tongue, mullen and thistle were pulled (invasive species).


  • CSP

    • Want to organize a fall trail day (IDEAS?)

    • Sign at the campground boulder

      • A group of climbers got kicked off the boulder recently 

      • We will speak with them this fall about finding a solution that encourages rehabilitation but also still allows for access.

    • General Store CSP trail (volunteer opportunity)

    • Below lake access

      • Jamie told Brandon about a new trail below the lake over by beer and pretzels.  We should get ahead on the process and begin the conversation with them to make sure climbing access is maintained.

    • Trail day ideas

      • Downed tree in between spire 2 and spire 4


  • Black Hills NFS 

    • Want to organize a trail day- specifically for Dark Side Approach Trail & Bunny Slope at Sunshine

    • Discussed Nacho Wall Access Trail to need updating

      • Specifically the beginning “Steps”

    • VC Wagbag Station Needs refilled 

      • Discussed ordering a large order of wag bags to keep in the storage unit so we can add that as a BHCC duty. 

        • Emailed the wag bag company about bulk ordering and didn’t hear back

        • Will reach out to granite sports or outdoor shop to order through their prodeal

        • Wyatt got bags from Access Fund, they sell them at cost 

    • Trail day ideas:

      • Down below Mount Baldy on SW side there are alot of downed trees.

Climbing Ethics Announcement:

  • Will be creating a clear and informed recommendation of climbing ethics 

  • This comes from a fixed rope issue with Mt. Rushmore

  • Maybe include avoid climbing near needles eye area in Custer

  • Maybe include only leaving dark colored tat, or not leaving tat?

  • Call it “Best Practices” and create a pamphlet to hand out as well

IRS Update:

  • Recently granted our 501c3 Status

    • Will post what this means soon(after pumpfest)

  • Thoughts about mission statement “Preserve & Protect”

    • Will vote on whether the community wants us to add the “Promote”


Pumpfest (July 26-28)

  • Created a volunteer signup button on website (will hopefully get more at public meeting)

    • Volunteers will need to be debriefed and sign waivers!

  • SIngle Day Insurance

    • Roughly $1500

    • Please Sign waiver online

  • Sponsorships

    • Basecamp -$250

    • Rab (waiting to hear how much)

    • Black Hills Balloons - cash ($250?) and prize

    • Camp - Gear

    • Death Grip - Gear

    • Access Fund - Gear

    • La-Sportiva - Gear

    • Petzl - Gear

    • Sylvan Rocks & Outdoor Shop - $800

  • Clinic Updates:

    • Sylvan Rocks (3 Clinics)

      • Beginner (Sat morning)

      • Multi Pitch (Sunday)

      • Rope Rescue (Sunday)

    • Upward Mobility Fitness

      • Mobility Clinic (Sat Morning at shop?)

  • Guest Speakers 

    • Logan Grosz about his process making the guidebook

      • Will have books for sale and Logan available to sign

    • Lewis Brothers

      • Talked with Mike and said he's interested but will discuss more this week. 

      • Mike is speaking to Rusty about it. 

  • No band 

  • T-Shirts

    • Ordered a limited number (65) 

  • We should flag a trail down to NORA’s wall to prevent social trails

  • Wyatt is interested 

  • Tentative Schedule:

    • Friday Night: Pasta man, access route inner outlet, access route paydirt, as many ropes as possible on NORA’s wall

    • Saturday morning: at 6 am finish setting up ropes on inner outlet and paydirt

  • Volunteers:

    • Wyatt Brumbaugh

  • We need volunteers for booth to get waivers signed, to stamp hands that have waivers, and to set up AND take down ropes

  • SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING


Membership Update:

  • Changed all current members to a new service (Now $35)

    • Changed from “invoice” to “subscription”

      • Easier to manage/control memberships 


Spearfish Climbing Day:

  • With General Liability Insurance for 2025 we will be able to host this event 

  • Will push to 2025 Calendar

    • Since our nonprofit status got approved, we are hoping to get the GL insurance to cover the SPEARFISH SCRAMBLE


Bolting Committee Update: 

  • The bolting committee had a meeting where they all refreshed themselves on glue in bolting techniques, and handed out hardware to all areas of the Hills.

    • Report on what has been fixed this year should come out in the fall


Operating Procedures Project:  



OPEN COMMENT

  • No lander turkey shoot TR for pumpfest




Black Hills Climbers Coalition