Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs)

Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) are a modern expression of the Bay Area’s century-long concern for, and protection of, parks and open spaces.

Like Priority Development Areas (PDAs), PCAs are nominated by local jurisdictions and adopted by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). These sites are identified in partnership with property owners, land trusts, open space districts, cities’ and counties’ parks and recreation departments and other local jurisdictions.

Permanently protecting PCAs involves establishing policy protections, purchasing key natural lands or establishing conservation easements with willing property owners.

Learn more about the more than 180 PCAs adopted by ABAG.

PCA Refresh

In November 2021, 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. This effort kicked off in June 2022. It will identify recommendations to make the region’s conservation planning framework more data-driven and science-based by late 2023, while also incorporating a wider range of policy concerns, such as equity and resilience to climate hazards.

The project objectives include:

• Evaluating all aspects of the current PCA nomination, evaluation and designation process;
• Articulating a vision for next-generation PCAs;
• Establishing clear goals and objectives;
• Identifying the needs of project applicants; and
• Developing guidelines and resources, with an emphasis on data and mapping.

In July 2023, an Interim Memo exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the existing PCA framework and outlining draft vision, goals and objectives for the Refresh was released:

• Read the Priority Conservation Area Refresh Interim Memo
• Read the Priority Conservation Area Refresh Interim Memo (less formatting for users of assistive technology)

The effort will culminate in a final report of major findings, including a recommended suite of options for regional policymakers to consider with respect to planning, policy and funding. The Priority Conservation Area Refresh Final Report is anticipated to be released in winter 2024.

Partnership

Partnership and collaboration will be a key component of the PCA refresh. Planned activities for partner and stakeholder engagement (including with local jurisdictions) will include workshops, surveys, one-on-one and small group focused discussions, among others.

Staff Contact

Michael Germeraad, Regional Planning Program
Email: mgermeraad@bayareametro.gov

For more information, sign up for the PCA Mailing List at the bottom of this page.