Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs)
Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) continue the Bay Area’s century-long commitment to parks, farmland, open spaces and ecosystems.
PCA nomination requests are due May 2, 2025.
Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) are regionally significant areas to be protected and improved. PCAs include natural habitats, farms and ranchlands, recreation areas, urban green spaces and locations that can help fight the effects of climate change.
PCAs are nominated by local jurisdictions with land use authority (such as open space districts, city and county parks and recreation departments, and other local entities) and adopted by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). More than 180 existing PCAs have been adopted by ABAG.
Sign up for the PCA Mailing List at the bottom of this page.
Five Types of PCAs
PCAs are categorized by five designations that recognize the vitality of the Bay Area’s natural systems, rural economy and the health of all residents:
- Natural Lands
- Agricultural & Working lands
- Urban Greening
- Recreation
- Climate Adaptation
Additional Details
Nomination Cycles & Amendments
Nomination Cycles
The 2025 PCA nomination cycle is now open, through May 2, 2025. Visit the nomination webpage to learn more.
There have been four prior nomination cycles since the PCA planning framework was originally developed in 2007. In spring 2024, the PCA planning framework was updated to establish program objectives and data indicators, resulting in the need to amend designated PCAs to align with the updated framework.
Amendments
In 2024, many of the 185 PCAs were amended to meet the criteria outlined in the PCA Refresh, but some still need revisions. Jurisdictions that have not yet amended existing PCAs may do so alongside the new PCA nomination window, through May 2, 2025. These jurisdictions will receive an email from ABAG/MTC staff to direct the jurisdiction on the amendment actions needed. ABAG/MTC staff will review the amendments to ensure eligibility criteria are met before requesting a final approval from the jurisdiction which can be completed with a director-level or higher signature.
For more information on PCA amendment status, see:
PCA Framework Refresh
MTC and ABAG were awarded a grant from the Sustainable Agricultural Lands and Conservation (SALC) Program managed by the California Department of Conservation to support a refresh of the PCA planning framework. The refresh effort kicked off in June 2022 and concluded in May 2024.
It identified recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the region’s conservation planning framework, and incorporated a wider range of policy concerns, such as equity and resilience to climate hazards.
Priority Conservation Area Refresh Final Report
The PCA Final Report laid out a suite of reforms to the PCA planning framework and was adopted by the ABAG Executive Board in May 2024. The Final Report synthesizes the strengths and weaknesses of the prior planning framework and includes an updated vision, goals and objectives for PCAs, as well as corresponding eligibility maps to bring greater structure to the framework.
- Read the Priority Conservation Area Refresh Final Report
- Explore the Priority Conservation Area Refresh Online Mapping Viewer
- Read the Priority Conservation Area Refresh Interim Memo for more background on the PCA Refresh process and investigation into the prior framework
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find maps of PCAs?
Review all PCAs on the mapping viewer.
When can I nominate a new PCA?
The 2025 PCA nomination cycle is now open. Visit the nomination webpage to learn more.
What types of agencies/organizations are eligible to apply for PCAs?
Cities, counties and park/open space districts are eligible to apply to ABAG for PCA designation. Federal and state agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, are not eligible to apply, but may work with local jurisdictions or park/open space districts to encourage a PCA application to ABAG. The application period for new PCAs is currently closed.
Is a PCA a land use designation? Does it change the local zoning requirements or restrict development rights?
No. A PCA designation does not in any way change the land use status for a piece of property. The local jurisdiction maintains planning and permitting authority over the property, and private property owners maintain their development rights.
Can PCAs be designated on private property?
Yes. Designation of a PCA on private property does not change the local land use designation, zoning or the ability for the property to be developed in the future.
Is the PCA designation process also a grant program?
No. The PCA designation process creates a list of areas that have the potential for conservation, enhancement, restoration and public access. Specific projects within these designated PCAs may be eligible for future funding from the PCA Grant Program.
What is new about PCAs?
In May 2024, the ABAG Executive Board approved reforms to the PCA framework as part of the PCA Refresh, marking the first substantial changes since its creation in 2007. The two-year PCA Refresh process culminated in a Final Report, which introduced new minimum data criteria to improve regional cohesion across PCA geographies.
Staff Contact
For questions about PCA nominations, please contact:
Kate Lyons, Regional Planning Program
Email: klyons@bayareametro.gov
Sign up for the PCA Mailing List
Sign up for the Priority Conservation Areas mailing list to receive updates on PCA grants, application deadlines and more.