BUFFALO MOUNTAIN STRATEGIC PLAN
Adopted By:
Johnson City Board of Commissioners
Adopted: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Johnson City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Adopted: Thursday, September 25, 2025
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City Commission
Mayor Greg Cox
Commissioner Jenny Brock
Commissioner Dr. Todd Fowler
Commissioner Joe Wise
City Leadership
Cathy Ball, City Manager
Steve Willis, Assistant City Manager
Randy Trivette, Assistant City Manager
Alicia Summers, Assistant City Manager
Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan Working Group
Alicia Summers
Allan Dearstone
April Norris
Connie Deegan
Jason Miles
Josh Collins
Dr. Maggie Darden
Dr. Natalie Smith
Pat Walding
Peyton Voirin
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2024-2025
Dr. Natalie Smith, Chair
Dr. Stacey Wild, Vice Chair
Robert (Joe) Bradley
James Hughes
Jonathan Kinnick
Gad Fowler
Dr. Adam Welch
Megan Williams
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2025-2026
Jonathan Kinnick, Chair
Dr. Adam Welch, Vice Chair
Jim Hughes
Jonathan Kinnick
Kaitlyn Ricker
Dr. Natalie Smith
Leah Tilson
Anne White
Megan Willliams
Katelyn Yarbrough
Steve Willis
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose of of the Plan
The purpose of the Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan is to establish a clear, communitydriven vision for the future of the park; one that improves access, safety, and educational value while preserving the park’s ecological integrity. This plan serves as both a guiding document for city decision-making and a framework for partnership, investment, and stewardship.
This plan was shaped in full collaboration with the public. From the very first conversations, City staff committed to listening first. As a result, this plan is rooted in preservation, defined by access, and guided by values, not commercial interests or speculative development.
Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
We Go.All.Out to enrich the quality of life in Johnson City
Vision Statement
We envision Johnson City as a growing community thriving on its unique recreational opportunities for all to connect through the develo t d t d hi f i l i k and programs while preserving natural resources
Themes:
Nature
Trail
Improved
Educational
Trail
Public
Connectivity
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Timeline
The Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan is the product of a collaborative effort grounded in public input, field research, and partnership coordination. Rather than rushing into recommendations, the working group chose to listen first in favor of an authentic, communitycentered process, resulting in a longer timeframe with an accurate reflection of community desires.
PHASE 1
PROJECT PLANNING
Fall 2023
Internal project scoping by Parks & Recreation
Initial goal setting and coordination with city leadership
Formation of stakeholder advisory committee
Identification of planning leads
PHASE 2
COMMUNITY INPUT
Winter 2023Spring 2024
PHASE 3
ANALYSIS
Spring 2024Summer 2024
PHASE 4
DRAFTING & REVIEW
Fall 2024Summer 2025
PHASE 5
FINALIZATION
Fall 2025
Launch of Community Input Survey #1
Two in-person public meetings
Media outreach to raise awareness
Stakeholder meetings
ETSU Natural Resource Management class
Dr. Natalie Smith led quantitative and qualitative survey analysis
Drafting of plan
narrative, including background, purpose, goals, and recommendations
Final edits and formatting
Development of executive summary, appendices, and action trackeres
Identification of key priorities, opportunities, and constraints
Sorting of input into thematic categories and draft goals
Presentation of draft to committee for feedback
Revisions based on input from subject matter experts and city departments
Presentation to City Commission and formal plan adoption
Public release and transition to implementation
INTRODUCTION
The Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan is a comprehensive, community-guided roadmap for preserving, enhancing, and stewarding one of Johnson City’s most ecologically and culturally significant public lands. Developed over the course of 2023–2025 through an inclusive and research-informed process, the plan reflects thousands of voices and a shared commitment to conservation, access, education, and responsible recreation.
Spanning 724 acres of rare Southern Appalachian habitat, Buffalo Mountain City Park offers a rugged yet accessible retreat just minutes from downtown However, the park faces challenges in visibility, infrastructure, and ecological sensitivity. This plan responds directly to those needs by laying out clear priorities, actionable strategies, and a long-term vision grounded in public values and scientific data.
The planning process was structured into five phases: project initiation, public engagement, data analysis, drafting, and review Input from more than 2,600 survey participants, field researchers, city staff, and community stakeholders was synthesized into a focused set of goals and implementation steps. Key themes include preservation of natural ecosystems, improvement of trails and amenities, expanded educational use, and alignment with broader city-wide strategies for health, sustainability, and connectivity.
This is not a one-size-fits-all master plan It is a strategic framework which is flexible, transparent, and guided by the principles of stewardship and equity. It is designed to evolve alongside community needs and will be reviewed regularly through annual check-ins and updates
STRATEGIC PLAN PURPOSE
The purpose of the Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan is to establish a clear and community-driven vision for the future of the park It aims to protect the park’s ecological integrity while improving access, safety, and educational opportunities. The plan identifies strategies to maximize resources, support growth over the next ten years, and guide future development.
It will help the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department prioritize projects, make informed decisions, and pursue local, state, and federal funding and support The plan also offers the public a transparent sense of what to expect regarding the long-term character of Buffalo Mountain City Park, ensuring it remains a natural and inclusive space for future generations.
Alignment with City and Departmental Plans
This strategic plan aligns with two key guiding documents: Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan (2024): The plan reinforces department values of stewardship, inclusion, and wellness. Goals such as environmental protection, accessibility, and educational partnerships are directly reflected. Horizon 2045 Comprehensive Plan: This plan supports Horizon 2045 objectives in two core areas:
Healthy Environments – protecting sensitive land and promoting sustainable use and supporting spaces for education, reflection, and connection Strong Neighborhoods – improving access and preserving natural landscapes
Together, these plans ensure Buffalo Mountain City Park’s future is shaped by community values and supported by coordinated investment, collaboration, and care.
PROJECT PROCESS
The development of the Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan followed a phased approach, prioritizing community input, environmental research, and transparent planning.
Phase 1: Preparation and Framing
City staff outlined core questions and themes using public inquiries, past park discussions, and known infrastructure needs. Phase 1 laid the groundwork for broad public input.
Phase 2: Community Listening
The first public survey launched in January 2024 and received over 2,300 responses Two public meetings followed, offering space for dialogue, mapping, and value setting. The themes that emerged: preservation, access, and safety shaped the plan’s guiding priorities.
Phase 3: Fieldwork and Research
In partnership with East Tennessee State University, faculty and students conducted assessments, user behavior observations, and planning concept drafts. This phase added environmental and technical depth to community input.
Phase 4: Strategy Refinement
A second public survey in August 2024 gathered more specific feedback on potential improvements. The planning team synthesized results, drafted the plan, and gathered final feedback from partners and stakeholders.
Phase 5: Plan Finalization
The draft was reviewed internally and externally to ensure alignment with community values and Johnson City’s strategic goals. This final plan reflects the priorities of the public, the insights of local experts, and the City’s long-term vision for Buffalo Mountain.
Phase 1
November 2023 - January 2024
Phase 2
January 2024 - March 2024
Phase 3
Spring 2024
Phase 4
May 2024 - November 2024
Phase 5
April 2025 - September 2025
To translate the community values and strategic priorities into action, this plan organizes implementation into categories: nature preservation, trail maintenance, improved infrastructure, educational programming, trail signage and wayfinding, public safety, and connectivity. These categories emerged from the most frequently expressed community needs, survey results, and feasibility considerations. Together, they reflect a balanced approach that honors the ecological sensitivity of the site while addressing public desires for improved access, learning opportunities, and clearer connections Grouping implementation efforts allows for phased, coordinated investment while ensuring that every improvement aligns with the park’s long-term values and goals.
5 5
TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Public involvement has been essential to shaping the Buffalo Mountain City Park Strategic Plan. This process was not built on predetermined outcomes but rather developed through community dialogue, reflection, and feedback. Involving the public ensured that this plan reflected real values, not assumptions, and prioritized the needs of those who know and love the park best. It also helped build trust, foster transparency, and ensure shared ownership of future outcomes.
Public input provides crucial insight into how residents use the park, what challenges they encounter, and what aspirations they hold for its future. By centering community voices, the city was able to move beyond assumptions and toward a collaborative, informed vision that balances preservation with access and stewardship with experience.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
SNAPSHOT: ONLINE SURVEY #1
Survey Period:
January 30 - March 5, 2024
1. Preservation: Preserving the park’s natural character was the top open-ended theme, with 484 mentions and nearly 80% of respondents supporting a focus on low-impact uses like hiking and observation.
2. Safety: Participants expressed concern about litter, trailhead security, and a lack of staff presence, signaling a need for improved oversight and maintenance
3. Low-Impact Recreation: Hiking was the most common use (1,806 responses), with additional support for picnicking and nature observation, and limited support for high-impact development or mountain biking.
4 Education: While less frequently mentioned, 127 responses indicated interest in programs, and 97 in nature immersion, suggesting support for interpretive and educational opportunities.
5. Trail Signage: Respondents cited unclear wayfinding and trail confusion as barriers to use, emphasizing the need for improved signage and updated park maps.
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION IDENTIFIED VALUES IDENTIFIED VALUES
NATURE-BASED EDUCATION NATURE-BASED EDUCATION LOW-IMPACT RECREATION LOW-IMPACT RECREATION SAFETY SAFETY
PARK VISIBILTY PARK VISIBILTY
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
IDENTIFIED VALUES IDENTIFIED VALUES
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
SAFETY SAFETY
NATURE-BASED EDUCATION NATURE-BASED EDUCATION LOW-IMPACT RECREATION LOW-IMPACT RECREATION
TRAIL SIGNAGE TRAIL SIGNAGE
SNAPSHOT: ONLINE SURVEY #2
Survey Period: August 9 - September 2, 2024
1.Preservation Is a Core Priority: Respondents supported preserving the park’s natural character and opposed development that could harm its ecosystem. Low-impact recreation was strongly favored.
2.Focus on Practical Improvements Over Expansion: Comments emphasized repairing trails, signage, and restrooms rather than adding major new features or uses
3.Support for Education and Interpretation: Many called for educational signage and interpretive trails to highlight the mountain’s ecology, history, and biodiversity.
4.Clarity and Signage Still Lacking: Trail confusion, limited maps, and unclear access points were common concerns, reinforcing earlier survey results.
5.Balanced Feedback on Amenities: While some supported accessible loops and signage, there was caution against overbuilding or disrupting the park’s natural feel
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
SNAPSHOT: IN-PERSON MEETING #1
February 13,2024
Memorial Park Community Center
1. Preservation Was a Clear Priority: Many participants expressed a strong desire to keep the park as natural as possible and limit new development Low-impact uses like hiking and observation were frequently emphasized.
2. Concern for Trail Conditions: Attendees voiced the need for trail maintenance, erosion control, and the rerouting of unsustainable paths. Trail sustainability and safety were consistent themes
3. Requests for Basic Amenities: There was broad support for composting or vault restrooms, as well as for improving and formalizing parking areas.
4. Safety and Visibility Concerns: Participants noted loitering, isolated areas, and poor trail signage as contributing to a sense of vulnerability—especially at trailheads and during low-traffic hours.
5. Support for Educational and Inclusive Enhancements: Attendees shared interest in interpretive signage and more accessible trail options, including the idea of an ADA-accessible loop or overlook
SAFETY
RECREATION ACCESS ACCESS
RECREATION
EDUCATION EDUCATION
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
SNAPSHOT: IN-PERSON MEETING #2
February 22,2024
Langston Centre
LOW-IMPACT RECREATION LOW-IMPACT RECREATION EDUCATION EDUCATION ACCESS ACCESS SAFETY SAFETY PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
1 Preservation and Safety Remained Central: Participants emphasized keeping Buffalo Mountain natural while also raising safety concerns tied to limited visibility, illegal activity, and unclear signage.
2.Support for Improved Access and Signage: There was strong interest in better trail markers, updated maps, and directional signs. Attendees also suggested formal parking and restroom facilities.
3.Interest in Educational Opportunities: Participants showed enthusiasm for interpretive signage, guided walks, and partnerships with ETSU and local educators
4.Ongoing Debate Around Biking: Mountain biking remained contentious. Some supported bike trails; others cited ecological concerns and user conflict.
5.Programming and Engagement Ideas Emerged: Suggestions included volunteer workdays, citizen science, and ranger-led events to foster stewardship and community involvement.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
SNAPSHOT: STAKEHOLDER MEETING
March 7, 2024
Memorial Park Community Center
1.Preservation and Land Ethics: Stakeholders consistently emphasized the ecological sensitivity of Buffalo Mountain. There was consensus that preserving the park’s natural state should take precedence over high-use or commercial activity.
2 Access and Infrastructure: Participants supported enhancements to trail signage, parking, and restrooms. Interest was placed on improvements that increase safety and reduce environmental impact.
3. Educational and Volunteer Potential: Attendees highlighted the park’s role as a living classroom. Suggestions included citizen science, interpretive signage, outdoor classrooms, and partnerships with ETSU and environmental groups.
4. User Conflict and Recreation Compatibility: While
PRESERVATION PRESERVATION IDENTIFIED VALUES IDENTIFIED VALUES
STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP SAFETY SAFETY EDUCATION EDUCATION ACCESS ACCESS
mountain biking was discussed, most stakeholders raised concerns about multi-use trail safety and ecological harm Many advocated for hiking-only trails while supporting collaboration with bike groups elsewhere.
5.
Stewardship and Partnerships: Participants called for a stronger presence of trained volunteers and ongoing collaboration between user groups and the city.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The future of Buffalo Mountain City Park has been shaped directly by its community. Over the course of 2024, hundreds of individuals participated in a multi-phase public input process designed to elevate resident voices, surface concerns, and align park planning with community values. This inclusive process ensured that the final strategic plan reflects the lived experiences, priorities, and hopes of the people who use and care for the park.
COMMUNITY ENAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS
COMMUNITY ENAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS
WHAT WE HEARD WHAT WE HEARD
PRESERVATION
Strong support for protecting the park’s natural character and ecological integrity
SAFETY
Desire for clear signage, better visibility, and reduced illicit activity
LOW-IMPACT RECREATION
Endorsement of uses like hiking, observation, and nature immersion
EDUCATION
Interest in interpretive signage, outdoor classrooms, and school partnerships
ACCESS
Support for practical improvements to trails, parking, restrooms, and ADA-friendly features
This feedback was not treated as advisory, it is the foundation of the plan. Every priority, action item, and future project stems from what the community expressed through these channels. Public involvement will continue to guide Buffalo Mountain City Park’s evolution in the years ahead.
ANALYSIS
Through extensive community input, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis, seven key priorities have emerged to guide the future of Buffalo Mountain City Park. These priorities reflect the most frequently expressed values, needs, and aspirations shared throughout the planning process. Each one represents a core area where the community hopes to see focused improvement, preservation, or investment. Together, they provide a framework for how Johnson City can steward the park’s ecological health, enhance the visitor experience, and remain responsive to the public’s vision for this treasured natural space
PRIORITY 1: NATURE PRESERVATION
Of all themes identified through surveys, meetings, and stakeholder input, nature preservation emerged as the top priority for Buffalo Mountain City Park. This reflects a deeply held community value: that the park’s unique ecological features, its native flora, fauna, and watersheds, should be protected for future generations.
In Online Survey #1, 484 open-ended comments (over 24% of all responses to that question) emphasized preservation of the natural environment, with respondents citing biodiversity, clean water, and the wilderness experience as defining features of the park. Nearly 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the park should remain focused on low-impact activities like hiking, research, and observation.
Across public meetings and the stakeholder session, this theme was echoed. Participants described the park as a sanctuary. The community consistently favored trail maintenance over expansion, improvements that minimized ecological disturbance, and education that promoted stewardship
From a scientific standpoint, Buffalo Mountain City Park’s ecological value is exceptional. The park supports over 200 native wildflower species, three pristine headwater streams, and rare fungi including multiple truffle species. These resources are sensitive to erosion, habitat fragmentation, and unmanaged recreational pressure.
For all these reasons, nature preservation is the foundation upon which all other strategic goals in this plan are built.
ANALYSIS
PRIORITY 2: TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Trail maintenance emerged as the second-highest priority across all forms of input. As one of the most frequently used features of Buffalo Mountain City Park, the trail system is both a beloved asset and a source of community concern due to its current condition
In both community surveys, trail maintenance was a recurring theme in open-ended responses. In Survey #1, 270 individuals (13.6%) emphasized the need to improve existing amenities, with many specifically referencing degraded trails, erosion, and the need for sustainable upkeep. Respondents noted that trails were widening, incising, or becoming unsafe due to washouts and tread conditions
Trail restoration sits at the critical intersection of access and stewardship. Restoring and rerouting unsustainable sections ensures a safer, more enjoyable experience for users while reducing the park’s environmental footprint. This priority directly supports nature preservation, safety, and long-term sustainability.
PRIORITY 3: IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE
The need for improved access and infrastructure was one of the most commonly expressed concerns across all engagement activities. While visitors consistently praised the park’s natural beauty, they also emphasized that outdated or missing amenities hinder the overall experience and limit accessibility for a wider range of users.
From Survey #1, 75 respondents (3.8%) cited parking as a key issue, describing full lots, unclear entrances, and the inability to visit on busy days. Another 63 respondents (3.1%) requested restrooms. Across both surveys, infrastructure-related concerns, including signage, orientation, and facilities, consistently appeared in open-ended feedback
Community meetings reinforced these needs. Attendees called for the formalization of parking areas, better trailhead orientation, restrooms, and accessible options for those with mobility challenges.
ANALYSIS
PRIORITY 4: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Community members repeatedly expressed a desire for Buffalo Mountain City Park to serve as a space for learning, not just recreation. The idea of the park as an “outdoor classroom” emerged across multiple engagement formats, highlighting its potential to deepen public understanding of ecology, geology, local history, and conservation.
Online Survey #1 revealed significant interest in nature-based education, with many respondents suggesting interpretive signage, guided hikes, and citizen science opportunities. In fact, “education” was identified as a top community value across both surveys and in-person meetings Several participants emphasized the importance of
creating self-guided learning opportunities for families and schools, including field trip access and interactive signage.
ETSU has already begun using the park for academic research, habitat assessments, and student learning, further proving its role as a living lab. Faculty from the biological sciences and sport and recreation management departments have contributed to the strategic planning process and identified strong potential for expanded curricular use.
In the community engagement sessions, participants supported ideas like installing interpretive signage at ecological and historical sites, creating educational loops for younger hikers, and incorporating local conservation stories.
Educational integration also aligns with the park’s low-impact identity. Rather than developing large-scale programming or facilities, the public clearly supports subtle, thoughtful enhancements that elevate awareness and appreciation of the natural world. By investing in educational infrastructure and partnerships, Buffalo Mountain City Park can grow into a key resource for schools, universities, families, and lifelong learners by advancing community knowledge while fostering stewardship and pride.
PRIORITY 5: TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
Trail signage emerged as one of the most consistent needs across all phases of community input. Participants frequently described the current system as confusing, citing unclear trail names, lack of directional markers, and absence of a unified map This lack of navigational clarity not only affects visitor experience but also contributes to unintended environmental damage from off-trail hiking.
In both online surveys, respondents expressed the need for improved signage. In Survey #1, participants noted that better wayfinding would help prevent confusion. Comments included requests for maps at trailheads, trail difficulty ratings, and markers that show loop routes or destinations such as White Rock or Tip Top. Survey #2 reinforced these concerns, as many respondents prioritized signage improvements over other forms of development.
Community meeting participants also recommended updating blazes to a consistent color system, aligning with regional standards and avoiding confusion with nearby U.S. Forest Service trails Several attendees recommended renaming trails to avoid misinterpretation
Improved signage also supports public safety by reducing the risk of hikers getting lost or unintentionally accessing steep or eroded sections. Additionally, interpretive signage at key locations can elevate the park’s educational value by sharing stories about ecology, geology, and local history
ANALYSIS
PRIORITY 6: PUBLIC SAFETY
Across all engagement formats, safety and overall user experience were repeatedly mentioned as concerns that shape how and when visitors use Buffalo Mountain City Park. While the park is cherished for its solitude and natural beauty, many respondents noted that the lack of formal staffing, poor visibility at trailheads, and isolated parking areas have led to perceptions of unsafe or unwelcoming conditions, especially during offpeak times.
In the first online survey, open-ended responses frequently referenced the need for increased staff or ranger presence. Several respondents shared personal accounts of encountering loitering, suspicious behavior, or feeling unsafe when visiting alone These sentiments were echoed during both community engagement sessions, where participants emphasized the importance of visibility and passive surveillance strategies like trailhead improvements, increased foot traffic, and designated volunteer patrols.
Stakeholders from environmental and recreation organizations emphasized that safety improvements should not come at the expense of the park’s natural feel Instead, interventions such as a park attendant, highquality signage, and enhanced trailhead design were seen as ways to maintain the park’s character while making it more accessible and welcoming to all. By addressing both real and perceived barriers to entry, Johnson City can ensure Buffalo Mountain City Park remains a space of comfort, connection, and care for everyone.
PRIORITY 7: CONNECTIVITY
Participants across all engagement methods expressed a desire to see Buffalo Mountain better connected to the rest of Johnson City. its location offers a feeling of natural seclus many residents and stakeholders noted that to the park is limited by transportation optio unclear routes, and a lack of connection with trail systems.
During the community input sessions, atten suggested ideas such as developing safe ped and bike access from neighborhoods, install directional signage from downtown, and link park to other recreation corridors like the Tweetsie
Trail. These suggestions reflect a broader desire to make the park not just a destination, but a visible and integrated piece of the city's outdoor network In online survey responses, participants repeatedly emphasized the need for trail continuity and mentioned the potential of long-term greenway extensions. Several comments also referenced confusion between Buffalo Mountain City Park and nearby U.S. Forest Service land.
Stakeholders, including local recreation groups and ETSU faculty, highlighted Buffalo Mountain City Park’s potential as a gateway into regional conservation and recreation efforts. They emphasized that long-range planning should include dialogue with the U.S. Forest Service and private landowners to explore the feasibility of trail expansion, new access points, and integrated programming.
Improving connectivity will help expand access, increase usage, and support Johnson City’s broader goals related to sustainability, transportation, wellness, and tourism as outlined in Horizon 2045 and the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan.
ANALYSIS SUMMARY
PARK PRIORITIES PARK PRIORITIES
1 1 NATURE PRESERVATION NATURE PRESERVATION
2 2 TRAIL MAINTENANCE TRAIL
3 3 IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
4 4
5 5
TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
6 6 PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC SAFETY
7 7 CONNECTIVITY CONNECTIVITY
The findings from community engagement, survey data, and site assessments provide a clear foundation for moving from analysis to action. With a shared understanding of public priorities, the next step is translating these values into tangible projects and policies. The following implementation strategy outlines how Johnson City Parks and Recreation will prioritize improvements, allocate resources, and collaborate with partners to ensure Buffalo Mountain City Park remains a protected and accessible natural asset for years to come
ANALYSIS SUMMARY
Nature Preservation - Protect the park’s sensitive ecosystems, rare species, and scenic character by avoiding high-impact development and promoting ecological stewardship.
Connectivity - Pursue long-term connections to neighborhoods, downtown Johnson City, and regional trails, reinforcing the park’s role in the city’s wellness, and recreation goals. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7
Trail Maintenance - Reroute steep, eroded trails to improve safety and protect the park’s natural landscape through responsible management.
Improved Infrastructure - Enhance the visitor experience with better parking, restrooms, signage, and trailhead orientation.
Educational Programming - Expand learning through interpretive signage, academic partnerships, and public programs that connect visitors to the park’s ecology and history.
Trail Signage and Wayfinding - Develop consistent, accessible signage to clarify routes, convey safety, and strengthen the park’s identity in the city’s outdoor network.
Public Safety - Promote a welcoming and secure environment through improved trail visibility, staff presence, and community-based stewardship efforts.
IMPLEMENTATION
To translate the community values and strategic priorities into action, this plan organizes implementation into categories: Infrastructure and Access, Education and Engagement, Preservation and Stewardship, and Connectivity and Visibility. These categories emerged from the most frequently expressed community needs, survey results, and feasibility considerations. Together, they reflect a balanced approach that honors the ecological sensitivity of the site while addressing public desires for improved access, learning opportunities, and clearer connections Grouping implementation efforts allows for phased, coordinated investment while ensuring that every improvement aligns with the park’s long-term values and goals.
5 5 TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING 7 7 CONNECTIVITY CONNECTIVITY
Description
Description to prioritize and guide staff efforts.
Timeframe
Describes when the effort on the actions should begin.
Short: 0-3 years
Mid: 4-7 uears
Long: 8-10 years
Resources
Provides a general sense of the time and funding resources needed: High Medium Low
IMPLEMENTATION
Acquire adjoining property to expand the park
Solidify partnerships with researchers
Work with TDEC Division of Natural Areas to identify forest preservation strategies
Develop an invasive species management plan
Establish a long-term ecological monitoring program
Description
Construct connector trail from lower to upper parking lot
Redesign Noggin trail outside the stream bed
TRAIL MAINTENANCE TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Reroute incised trails and rehabilitate slopes
Rename Tip Top trail and add monument sign at the peak
IMPLEMENTATION
Description
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Develop initiatives that promote learning, interpretation, or organized community involvement
Install interpretive signage at historical and ecological sites
Install outdoor classroom near trailhead
Create programming partnerships with birding community
Implement strategic programming plan initiatives into park programming agenda
IMPLEMENTATION
TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
TRAIL SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
Install new signage posts and kiosks at key trail intersections
Develop consistent branding for Buffalo Mountain City Park
Enhance park’s digital presence through web content, maps, and accurate app data
Update maps and blaze colors
Signage, mapping, and wayfinding upgrades that help users navigate and understand the park’s trail system and features
Description
Increase staff presence during peak hours
Encourage calling emergency services to report suspicious activity
PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC SAFETY
IMPLEMENTATION
Coordinate with US Forest Service to explore connectivity with the Cherokee National Forest trail network
Identify plans for a greenway or trail connection between the park and downtown Johnson City
Explore opportunities for directional signage at key intersections in the city directing visitors to the park
CONNECTIVITY CONNECTIVITY
CONCLUSION
Buffalo Mountain City Park is one of Johnson City’s most ecologically significant and emotionally resonant public spaces. This strategic plan reflects thousands of community voices, expert analysis, and a shared commitment to stewardship, access, and sustainability. The priorities and actions outlined here are not only grounded in public input and they represent a clear, actionable roadmap for the next decade of thoughtful care and investment. By preserving the mountain’s natural character, improving access and safety, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening connectivity, this plan ensures that Buffalo Mountain remains a protected, welcoming, and inspiring space for generations to come. Implementation will require ongoing collaboration, adaptive management, and a continued focus on the values that shaped this plan.
