Black Hills National Forest officials are hosting a series of "Climbers Coffee" programs this summer at Wrinkled Rock Trailhead to talk with local rock climbers about avoiding damage to natural resources.

The U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service invite rock climbers and others interested to attend and share their opinions about climbing regulations and resource protection measures. Officials will be on hand to discuss and listen to ideas and concerns over a free cup of coffee. Attendees must bring their own mug.

Wrinkled Rock Trailhead is located at the west entrance of Mount Rushmore National Memorial on S.D. Highway 244.

The agencies hope to inform the community about the impact of rock climbing on erosion, user trails, soil, sensitive plant species and other resources.

Other topics for discussion will include the differing regulations governing dogs and pets. Different jurisdictions have different rules.

Forest officials will also outline the upcoming construction project of the Wrinkled Rock Trailhead and ask for comments.

"This is a two-way street," S. Gus Malon, climbing liaison for the Black Hills National Forest, said. "Not only will this be an information session, but we also want to interact with the climbing community and get their perspective and ideas."

Following are the dates for the Climbers Coffee Program. All dates occur on both Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

- Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-24.

- Independence Day Weekend, July 4-5.

- Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5-6.

For more information about the program or climbing regulations, call Malon at 673-4853 or visit the Black Hills National Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills. Those interested may also contact the National Park Service climbing liaison Todd Van Alstyne at 574-3129, or visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Web site at www.nps.gov/moru.