Johnson City's Buffalo Mountain on track to become State Natural Area

Johnson City’s Buffalo Mountain State Park has moved one step closer to a state natural area designation. Staff from the state’s Division of Natural Areas recently determined the park is a candidate for participation in the state Natural Area’s Program after a recent site visit. The designation would place the park into a conservation easement. The city will then work alongside the state to develop land management and fire prevention plans for the area. The natural area designation is part of the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan as residents felt strongly about preserving the park for low-impact recreation. The designation is expected to take two years to complete and would make Buffalo Mountain City Park the first state natural area in Washington County.