NAWCA prioritizes species that are wetland-dependent and align with key national and international conservation frameworks. This includes high-priority waterfowl species identified under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), such as those experiencing population declines or relying on shrinking wetland habitats for breeding, migration, and wintering. In addition to waterfowl, NAWCA focuses on wetland-associated migratory birds listed as Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC). Protecting BCC species is critical to proactive conservation efforts, as it helps prevent these species from becoming federally listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). By conserving habitats and addressing threats early, NAWCA reduces the need for ESA protections, ensuring healthier populations and fewer regulatory challenges. NAWCA also prioritizes species listed under the ESA as threatened or endangered, such as the Whooping Crane and Piping Plover, and those identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in State Wildlife Action Plans. These efforts align with broader conservation frameworks, including the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, and Partners in Flight. By targeting these priority species and their habitats, NAWCA ensures that conservation actions benefit not only specific species but also the broader ecosystems they inhabit, safeguarding biodiversity and delivering critical ecological services for communities across North America.