The New York State Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Program: A Model for the United States

The New York State Bird Conservation Area (BCA) Program, modeled after the National Audubon Society?s Important Bird Areas Program, is based on legislation signed by Governor Pataki in 1997. New York is the first state in the nation to enact such a program. The BCA Program seeks to provide a comprehensive, ecosystem approach to conserving birds and their habitats on state lands and waters, by integrating bird conservation interests in agency planning, management, and research projects, within the context of agency missions. Several state agencies and conservation organizations are involved in the BCA Program through representation on the Advisory Committee. Since 1998, 25 BCAs have been designated, totaling nearly 73,000 ha (more than 180,000 acres). These sites cover a diversity of habitats across the state, including wetlands along the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and Long Island Sound; forests in Central New York and along the Hudson River where Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerula) nest; and high elevation forests in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains that are home to Bicknell?s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli). The BCA program employs 4 full-time biologists who work with local site managers to complete management guidance summaries and plan research, management, and interpretive projects for the sites. Management, research, and interpretive projects initiated to date include kiosks and trailside panels containing interpretive materials; invasive plant management; surveys for marsh birds, Cerulean Warblers, and Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea); and a handicap accessible plank walkway and viewing platform. See http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/bca/ for more information.