Priority Conservation Areas - Points (Plan Bay Area 2050)

These Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) were used in the development of Plan Bay Area 2050 and its Environmental Impact Report. PCAs in Plan Bay Area 2050 are mapped as point features; the upcoming PCA re-envisioning effort in 2022 will further explore data sources and Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Association of Bay Area Governments mapping for conservation going forward. Priority Conservation Areas are designated to accelerate protection of key natural lands in the San Francisco Bay Region through purchase or conservation easements. While initially adopted as part of the Association of Bay Area Governments' FOCUS Program, PCAs have become part of Plan Bay Area, the regional plan that grew out of the California Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (CA SB 375, Steinberg). PCAs were nominated by local jurisdictions and non-profit conservation groups as areas of importance for conservation to retain and enhance the natural environment that is key to the quality of life enjoyed by the region's residents and visitors and the region's ecological diversity. Through the Priority Conservation Areas, conservation will be promoted by: - Coordinating conservation efforts within a regional framework of near-term priorities - Providing a strong platform on which to leverage public and private resources - Building upon prior and existing land protection efforts and investments - Providing opportunities for forging new partnerships