Bird Conservation Area Program
The New York State Bird Conservation Area Program was established in 1997 to safeguard and enhance bird populations and their habitats on State lands and waters. The goal of the Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Program is to integrate bird conservation interests into agency planning, management and research projects, within the context of agency missions.
The BCA Program is modeled after the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas (IBA) program, which began in New York in 1996. The BCA Program applies criteria developed under the IBA program to state-owned properties. To date, fifty-two BCA sites have been designated.
Currently, program staff are working on recommendations and materials for designating more BCAs, completion of management guidance summaries for each BCA and interpretive materials to provide on-site identification and education for the visiting public.
More about Bird Conservation Area Program:
- About the Legislation - New York State Bird Conservation Area Program: about ECL Title 20, the legislation that established the BCA program
- Advisory Committee - New York State Bird Conservation Area Program - Advisory Committee
- Criteria - New York State Bird Conservation Area Program - Criteria
- Frequently Asked Questions - New York State Bird Conservation Area Program - Frequently Asked Questions
- Management Guidance Summaries - New York State Bird Conservation Area Program - Management Guidance Summaries
