Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) are spaces that provide important environmental and/or outdoor recreation benefits in the Bay Area. PCAs are identified and nominated through a locally driven process and designated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). PCA designations and the PCA Grant Program support the goals of Plan Bay Area 2050, the adopted long-range regional plan for housing, the economy, transportation and the environment.

The PCA Grant Program – funded through the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program and administered by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership – was initiated by MTC in collaboration with the State Coastal Conservancy. Since 2013, the PCA Grant Program has provided over $30 million to protect and enhance the region’s natural and agricultural lands, improve outdoor access and urban greening, and build regional climate resiliency across Bay Area communities.