Wow, I don't check the Mud N' Crud forum for a few days and look what happens!
Adam, thanks for the email nudge to check it out.
First off, I do my best to post the climbing advisory information in multiple locations: on the bulletin board near the Juniper Canyon trailhead (it has been the only location available for the last few years, but if I had control over new sign placement, I would love for it to be even more visible), mentioned through the FOP site, detailed on this site, available through the Pinnacles NPS website, dispersed to all Pinnacles employees, available as brochures in the visitor centers to all visitors, and sent out to all local climbing gyms, as Tom mentioned. If folks have additional suggestions on where the information should be posted, I am all ears.
In regards to a ranger on the West Side mentioning "there are no closures," I will follow up with an all-employee email to try to clarify for Pinnacles staff.
However, part of the issue may be that, in truth, we do not have any mandatory climbing closures in effect at Pinnacles. We have "voluntary closures," or advisories, so in that sense the ranger was partially correct, but he should have done a MUCH better job of clarifying what this means - that we are relying upon climbers to police themselves and to steer clear of areas that are under advisories. Although entry into the advisory areas is not strictly forbidden, it is discouraged so that climbers and hikers don't disturb nesting birds of prey, cause nesting failures, and get slapped with fines for disturbing wildlife.
At any rate, let me know if folks have issues or concerns... People can always feel free to contact me directly if they need clarifications, and I'll pass on all recommendations to try to keep Pinnacles staff knowledgeable about advisories and what they mean.
