JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Johnson City Commission explored the potential of designating Buffalo Mountain Park as a natural area during its meeting last Thursday.

The planning process included five stages: project planning, community input, analysis, drafting review, and finalization. In the past year, the park attracted more than 64,300 visitors, comprising 37,400 unique visitors and 2,692 community survey responses.

The survey responses highlighted seven primary community needs: nature preservation, trail maintenance, enhanced infrastructure, educational programming, trail signage and wayfinding, public safety, and connectivity.

April Norris, Parks and Recreation director, stated that the plan’s goal is to ensure long-term protection for Tennessee’s rare, threatened, and endangered flora and fauna at Buffalo Mountain Park. Designated natural areas are either publicly owned or private lands protected by a conservation easement, representing Tennessee’s undisturbed ecosystems and serving as benchmarks for natural ecological functions.

Thomas Pollock, a 20-year Buffalo Mountain visitor, said he is in favor of the natural area plan.

“To make it to where it’s better maintained, I’m all for it,” Pullock said.

Johnson City Commissioner Jenny Brock said she is fond of Buffalo Mountain.

“I have been captivated by Buffalo Mountain forever because it has stood guard over our city since we were a city,” Brock said.

Another Buffalo Mountain hiker, Trenton Robinette, said he is in favor of preserving ecosystems.

“I believe that it is a very good move,” Robinette said. “Especially to the community and Tri-Cities that Buffalo Mountain is a safe haven.”

The Johnson City Commission plans to submit a recommendation letter to the director of the Division of Natural Areas in October 2025. From October to November 2025, the director will assess the recommendation for eligibility. The Division of Natural Areas will conduct further site evaluations from November 2025 to May 2026, with the director making the final recommendation to Gov. Bill Lee between May and October 2026 for consideration.

Officials also revealed a future 10-year strategic plan in the meeting.