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, including 20 in New York State Parks.
Bird Conservation Areas in New York State Parks
In addition to the parks listed below with designated Bird Conservation Areas, our state parks offer rich natural habitats
for interesting and unique birds-in fact, more than 300 species of birds call our parks home! For instance,
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, a National Audubon Society's Important Bird Area, is
home to 180 recorded species of birds and is a must-visit park for birding enthusiasts.
