Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs)

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:

• Amended PCAs
• Jurisdictions with amendments needed
• PCAs with amendments needed

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

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. 

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.

Do I still need to locally nominate an area as a PCA if it is marked as a Regionally Identified PCA? 

The "Regionally Identified Priorities” shown on the PCA Nomination GIS Tool were created by ABAG as "Regionally Identified PCAs" during the PCA Refresh process to pinpoint lands with regional connectivity or significance for each PCA type. These areas serve the same planning and policy purposes as Locally Nominated PCAs but do not qualify for grant funding unless they are also locally nominated (learn more about Regionally Identified PCAs in the PCA Refresh Final Report, page 16). While Regionally Identified PCAs can help guide local PCA nominations, their absence does not prevent an area from being nominated. Jurisdictions are encouraged to nominate Regionally Identified PCAs if they align with local priorities.

If I would like to apply for a PCA Grant in a PCA, do I have to be the PCA Lead? 

No, you do not need to be the PCA Lead to apply for a PCA Grant. Any eligible applicant and qualifying activity can apply. For more details, visit the PCA Grants website.

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.

For questions about PCA nominations, please contact: 

Kate Lyons, Regional Planning Program
Email: klyons@bayareametro.gov