Summary of Designations

Summary of Designations

Summary of Designations

Summary of Priority Conservation Area Designations

Priority Conservation Areas are categorized by four designations that recognize the vitality of the Bay Area’s natural systems, rural economy and the health of all residents, including:  Natural Landscapes, Agricultural Lands, Urban Greening and Regional Recreation.  These are described as to each benefits, potential co-benefits and examples of each type.
PCA Designation Primary Benefits Potential Co-Benefits Examples
Natural Landscapes
  • Terrestrial (Land) Ecosystems
  • Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Water Supply and Quality
  • Climate and Resilience
  • Compact Growth
  • Recreation
  • Critical habitat areas
  • Wetlands targeted for restoration
  • Riparian Corridors
  • Watershed land protection
Agricultural Lands
  • Agricultural Resources
  • Agricultural Economy
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • Water Supply and Quality
  • Recreation
  • Climate and Resilience
  • Compact Growth
  • Farmland or grazing land
  • Timberlands
Urban Greening
  • Community Health
  • Recreation
  • Climate and Resilience
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • Water Supply and Quality
  • Recreation
  • Potential "edible park" sites (park + community garden)
  • Urban forest areas
  • Urban portion of riparian corridor
Regional Recreation
  • Recreation
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • Water Supply and Quality
  • Climate and Resilience
  • Community Health
  • Compact Growth
  • Regional trail network
  • Potential regional park sites