Norris Dam State Park Strategic Management Plan

Park Purpose, History and Description

Norris Dam State Park consists of 4,043 acres located in Anderson and Campbell County, TN in the rugged hills and valley of upper, middle east Tennessee within the valley and ridge province. It is located along the shores of Norris Lake and is approximately 29 miles north of Knoxville. Norris Lake is a 48,000-acre Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) reservoir used for flood control and hydro-electrical power which has endless opportunities for water sports and sport fishing. Norris Dam State Park is one of five demonstration parks developed by the TVA in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as an example of public recreation development possibilities along TVA lakeshores.

Norris Dam, the TVA’s largest project, is situated between Cove Lake and Big Ridge State Park. Dam construction, in addition to providing flood control and affording electricity to most of East Tennessee produced a 33,840 acre lake. Members of the CCC were dispatched to help build the TVA dam—named for Nebraska Senator George William Norris, a politician instrumental in the creation of the TVA in the early 1930s--and create a park. Land in the valley now incorporated into Norris Dam State Park was acquired by the TVA from the Longmire family, one of many families who gave up their farmland to enable the TVA to develop Norris Lake.

The campaign to build Norris Park began in earnest in 1934 when the NPS took over the Norris CCC camp. Company 248, a Second Corps Company of the CCC, began the construction of Norris Park. During World War II, Norris Park was commandeered for use as part of a project supporting the war effort. In 1942, the park was closed to tourists and its cabins used to house some of the workers from Clinton Engineering Works located nearby. In 1953, the State of Tennessee, having only leased Norris Park from its inception, purchased it for $28,969.00, and changed its name from Norris Park to Norris Dam State Park.

The rich historic and cultural features combined with the natural history of Norris Dam State Park provide an excellent resource to be preserved, protected, and enjoyed by park visitors. Visitors can enjoy 33 miles of multi-use trails that showcase old growth timber left behind from the former Longmire property. Nature abounds with a diverse population of native wildlife, migratory songbirds, and frequent bald eagle sightings year round.

Goals, Objectives, and Action Plans

Resources

Visitor

Amenities

Operations

THE RESOURCES: Exemplary Natural and Cultural Stewardship

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be nationally recognized for exemplary stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

Objective: More and better stewards: Increase internal and external stewards who share Tennessee State Parks core values and can contribute to the State Parks mission to preserve, protect, and share Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources.

Action Plan:

• Expand partnerships with Anderson and Campbell County Schools to provide interpretive and educational programs that highlight the park’s primary and secondary interpretive themes. Examples include:

1. Career Day Programs
2. Ranger visits to schools while prioritizing field trips to park

• Provide quarterly training with all park employees to maintain standards of professionalism and importance of seeing the park through the eyes of a visitor.

1. Ensure park staff attend all required training and re-visit if necessary
2. Provide updated information to park staff on Access 2030
3. Encourage park staff to attend additional diversity training

• Increase volunteer and internship opportunities

1. Offer quarterly volunteer opportunities
2. Develop an Adopt-a-Trail style program to engage volunteers
3. Connect with local high schools to promote TN Promise

• Meet with leadership with City of Norris, Anderson and Campbell County, TVA and other agencies annually

1. Attend at least one city council meeting with City of Norris for a park update
2. Attend one county commission meeting with Anderson and Campbell County
3. Attend at least one Norris Watershed meeting for a park update
4. Set up meetings with local sheriff and mayor annually for City of Norris, Anderson and Campbell County

Objective: Better resource management practices: Identify, manage, and restore unique natural and cultural resources for generations to come.

Action Plan:

• Ensure Park resource management plans adequately promote preservation, active protection and restoration of degraded habitats or historic structures.
• Utilize employee job plans to address resource stewardship including education/training.
• Provide training and educational opportunities for park staff to ensure they are educated and experienced with up-to-date resource management techniques.
• Provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public to promote a greater appreciation of resource preservation.
• Partner with other state agencies such as Natural Areas, Archaeology, TVA and TN Historic Commission to implement best practices for natural and cultural resource management efforts.
• Create a species list for various flora and fauna on the park
• Work to get CCC Camp on the National Registry of Historic Places and apply for grant funds for preservation. Develop a resource management plan for CCC camp that clears out trees around foundations, maintain a cleared understory and keep parade grounds cleared.
• Continue efforts to maintain a sustainable trail system and maintain partnership with Clinch Valley Trail Alliance and local mountain bike groups.
• Continue partnership with Norris Area Trail System
• Continue work to restore and maintain the Rice Gristmill.

Objective: Better data and technology: Leverage data and technology to help inform and guide decisions on natural and cultural resources stewardship.

Action Plan:

• Continue to utilize maintenance software to document work orders and preventative maintenance on natural and cultural resources.
• Technology upgrades to the Lenoir Museum to include audio/visual programs and interactive displays.
• Provide organized, effective, and welcoming information signage, inventory and replace, broadband services, provide adequate EV infrastructure.
• Update and create digital database of museum holdings to ensure that artifacts are properly documented, stored, and available for future evaluation.
• Create digital monitors to ensure fragile textiles are stored in proper conditions to ensure proper management and longevity.
• Gather feedback from sources such as Strava to get feedback from user groups on trails and experiences.
• Utilize GIS technology to assist with boundary maintenance or other resource management projects.
• Provide organized, effective, and welcoming information signage, inventory and replace, broadband services, provide adequate EV infrastructure.

THE VISITOR: Welcoming and Inviting to All

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be the most accessible, welcoming, and inviting system of parks that enriches Tennesseans and visitors through excellent interpretation, education, and resource-based recreation.

Objective: accessible, welcoming, and inviting to all: create quality and varied programs of interpretation, recreation, and outreach so that all audiences feel welcome and invited.

Action Plan:

• Park staff will work to provide interpretive programs to local schools in both Anderson and Campbell Counties.
• Continue fostering partnerships that highlight the park’s unique historical significance and shared stories with TVA, NPS – Manhattan National Historical Park, and Museum of Appalachia.
• Plan, promote and present high-quality programming to celebrate the CCC.
• Continue to offer educational outreach to both Anderson and Campbell Counties.
• Develop strong communication channels between the park, local media, agencies with common missions and individuals to keep everyone informed about the park’s programs and updates via varied online access to information.
• Ensure new facility design and replacement is not anachronistic to the design intent of the respective park or specific facility.
• Continue to offer high quality interpretive programs that tell full-stories and connect park visitors to the unique history of Norris Dam State Park.
• Create and utilize Essential Eligibility Criteria for park programs.

Objective: high-quality programming: develop and support mission-based and resource-relevant programs to engage visitors, empower staff, and develop community wellbeing.

Action Plan:

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of programs across all experiences natural, historic, and cultural resource based, self-guided, partnership opportunities, and varying costs to the user from “free to fee”.
• Develop interpretive programs transcripts that would focus on interpreting life prior to the dam, creation of TVA and construction of Norris Dam, family removal, impact TVA had on region, creation of Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and impact CCC had on the park and the nation.
• Develop and design interpretive wayside signs at all historic sites throughout the park to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of these park treasures.
• Continue to promote healthy challenges that challenge visitors to hike, bike, mountain bike and paddle.
• Utilize social media to provide engaging posts that encourage people to explore the park for both physical and mental well-being.

Objective: resource-based outdoor recreation: provide resource-based outdoor recreation opportunities that ensure representation of Tennessee’s natural, scenic, and cultural resources.

Action Plan:

• Continue to offer sustainable multi-use trails system that is professionally managed, blazed according to TSP trail standards with appropriate signage.
• Continue to offer high quality interpretive programs that offer recreational elements.
• Including but limited to ranger led hikes, canoe programs, and backcountry experiences.
• Continue to foster partnerships with Clinch River Trout Unlimited and Norris Area Trail Systems to provide new and enhanced recreational opportunities.

THE AMENITIES: Well-Maintained Facilities and Amenities

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be well maintained with facilities and amenities that delight visitors and make Tennesseans proud.

Objective: Improve maintenance: Improve overall maintenance and upkeep of all park facilities and amenities that contribute to meaningful visitor experiences.

Action Plan:

• Maintenance employees will continue to utilize maintenance software as a tool to prioritize, schedule, perform and document all relevant preventative and routine work activities at the park, including vehicles, equipment, and buildings.
• The maintenance supervisor will review all purchase orders for work performed on the park by outside contractors and ensure quality and timely work is completed.
• Park will work closely with regional surveyors on the top 5 projects and prioritize projects as needed.
• Routine preventative maintenance will continue to include but not limited to quarterly inspections of all park facilities and cabins with follow-up work completed as timely as possible.

Objective: Better park accessibility: ensure all visitors have opportunities for meaningful experiences in every Tennessee State Park.

Action Plan:

• Trail Assessments to create sustainable trail system
• Develop and share adequate information and materials about accessible features and amenities.
• Continue to evaluate and improve facilities and services for ADA compliance that support the Access 2030 initiative.
• Explore opportunities to make trails that are accessible with an all-terrain wheelchair.

Objective: Quality and welcoming facilities and amenities: provide high-quality and well-planned facilities and amenities that enrich the visitor experience.

Action Plan:

• Provided organized, effective, and welcoming information on signage and replace when needed
• Ensure new facility design and replacement is not anachronistic to the design intent of the respective park and specific facility

THE OPERATIONS: Operational Excellence

Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be a national model for operational excellence in a state park system.

Objective: Support and empower our people: support and empower our workforce by creating a caring environment that encourages professional growth and great customer service.

Action Plan:

• Provide a safe and welcoming work experience
• Create more diverse workforce
• Provide training and professional development
• Provide opportunities for career pathways for employees
• Develop optimal staffing patterns that are adequate to sustainably support the mission and four pillars while meeting guests and department expectations 

Objective: Efficient and effective operations: provide efficient, effective, and fiscally responsible service to Tennesseans and our visitors.

Action Step:

• Budgetary compliance
• Improve/address environmental challenges
• Public support and engagement
• Partnerships 

Park Overview

Site Fact Sheet

¹Based on T.C.A. 11-3-305, Cost recovery of revenue-generating facilities

Key Attractions

The amenities or features listed below are those that seem to be most popular for visitors.

• Norris Lake
• Oak Grove public boat ramp
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Mountain Bike Trails – Norris Dam, Loyston Point, Norris Watershed
• Horseback Trails
• Flora & Fauna
• Special Events
• Playgrounds
• Campgrounds
• Picnic Areas
• Lenoir Museum & Cultural History Area
• Tennis Courts/Pickleball
• Picnic Areas
• Weddings
• Spring Wildflower Hikes
• Fall Pontoon Boat Cruises
• Road biking
• Clinch River Brewing
• TVA Songbird Trail
• Norris Dam
• TVA Norris Dam Visitor Center
• Trout Fishing on Clinch River
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Norris Dam Marina

Site and Operations Assessment

This site and operations assessment is a culmination of analyses and findings from a review of the condition of facilities, infrastructure, and operations at Norris Dam State Park. The findings and observations are not intended to be an exhaustive review of all issues present but provide a basic understanding of the predominant issues that contribute to the site’s current operating conditions. The assessment includes the following:

Site and Facility Assessment

Operational Assessment

Summary of Key Recommendations

Site and Facility Assessment

Methodology

Facility and asset conditions are rated using a differential scale of excellent, good, fair, or poor. Descriptions of conditions that are attributed to each of these findings are also provided.

Facility Inventory and Assessment

The table below is an inventory of facilities and amenities at Norris Dam State Park and provides the assessed condition of each as reviewed in September 2026.

Trail Inventory and Assessment

New Assets Needed

List new assets and amenities that would fall under capital expenditures that are needed to improve visitor experience and operational efficiency.

Prioritized Facility Needs

Based on the facility inventory and assessment, these prioritized needs have been identified.

Operational Assessment

The Operational Assessment includes:

1. An inventory and classification of programs and services being provided at the site,
2. A review of staffing at the site,
3. A review of concessionaires and partners operating at the site,
4. Visitation and customer satisfaction, and
5. Professional development and training.

Inventory and Classification of Programs and Services

Programs and services are classified into one of three major categories:

1. Core or Essential Services;
2. Important Services; and
3. Value added or Visitor Supported Services

Functions of the site are classified into these categories based in part on the mission and public mandates for both the site and the agency. For the programs and services in each of these categories, there are financial performance expectations that will define how services are funded and evaluated.

CATEGORY 1 – CORE SERVICES [Largely supported by public subsidies]

Core programs, services and facilities are those the agency must provide and/or are essential in order to capably govern and meet statutory requirements. The failure of the agency to provide Category 1 services at adequate levels could result in significant negative consequences for the public and the resources under protection. The criteria for programs or services to be classified as core or essential are:

• The services are mandated by the agency’s law or charter or are contractually obligated by agreement to provide the services.
• The services are essential to protecting and supporting the public’s health and safety.
• The services protect and maintain valuable assets and infrastructure.
• The services would generally and reasonably be expected and supported by residents, businesses, customers, and partners.
• The services are those that cannot or should not be provided by the private sector.
• The services provide a sound investment of public funds.

The following programs and services offered at Norris Dam State Park have been identified as core services:

• Support the mission of Tennessee State Parks which is, “To preserve, protect, and share Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources while providing safe, quality outdoor experiences.”
• Provide for public access to the park, the facilities, and the grounds.
• Provide public safety for visitors and protection of natural and cultural resources.
• Provide for maintenance of grounds, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Maintain facilities developed through the LWCF program to required standards.
• Provide for basic day-use activities informational signage, trash cans, and restroom facilities.
• Maintain park drinking water and wastewater programs to state standards.

CATEGORY 2 – IMPORTANT SERVICES [Supported by a balance of revenues and public subsidy]

Important programs, services and facilities are those the agency should provide, and are important to governing and effectively serving residents, businesses, customers and partners. Providing Category 2 services expands or enhances the agency’s ability to provide and sustain its core services. The criteria for programs or services to be classified as important are:

• The services expand, enhance or support identified core services.
• The services are broadly supported and utilized by the community, and are considered an appropriate, important, and valuable public good. Public support may be conditional upon the manner by which the services are paid for or funded.
• The services generate income or revenue that offsets some or all of the operating cost and/or are deemed to provide economic, social or environmental outcomes or results.

The following programs and services offered at Norris Dam State Park have been identified as important services:

• Provide a full range of environmental, cultural and recreational programs.
• Offer park-specific information at the Visitor Center, Camp Store, Rice Gristmill and Lenoir Museum.
• Provide educational programs for visitors, schools and organized groups.
• Provide for basic, non-staff supported day use activities (such as hiking and picnicking) with trails and picnic tables.

CATEGORY 3 – VISITOR SUPPORTED SERVICES [Almost exclusively supported by earned revenue]

Visitor supported programs, services and facilities are those discretionary services that the agency may provide when additional funding or revenue exists to offset the cost of providing those services. Category 3 services provide added value above and beyond what is required or expected. The criteria for programs or services to be classified as visitor supported are:

• The services expand, enhance or support Core Services, Important Services, and the quality of life of the visitors, community, or stakeholders.
• The services are supported, valued, and well utilized and provide an appropriate and valuable public benefit.
• The services generate income or funding from sponsorships, grants, user fees or other sources that offset some or all of their cost and/or provides a meaningful return on investment.
• The Services can possibly be provided through outsourcing or use of concessionaires, providing opportunities for community enterprise or services that may not otherwise be provided by the agency.

The following programs and services offered at Norris Dam State Park have been identified as visitor supported services:

• Year-round Interpretive Programs
• Fall Pontoon Boat Tours
• Cabins
• Campgrounds
• Shelters
• Appalachian Center
• Rentable meeting room
• Tea Room & Amphitheater
• Gift Shops – Visitor Center & Seasonal operations at Gristmill & Camp Store (West)
• Lenoir Museum

Personnel / Staffing Review

Personnel and staffing at Norris Dam State Park represent the largest area of budgetary expense at an average of 35% of the total operating budget each year for the last three complete years, which is less than the target of labor costs not exceeding 65% of total operating expenditures. The tables below and on the following page provide a basic review of the current staffing at the site.

Full-Time Equivalent Employees
*Law enforcement compensation confidential by TN law.

Part Time Employees

Labor Support

Total Labor Compensation Expense

Additional Future Positions Needed

Financial Performance

Revenue per available unit (Rev Per Unit) for the last four years in park facilities is detailed in the table below.

Current Rev Per Unit

Projected Rev Per Unit - Based on current Rev Per Unit trends at the park and any known developments over the next four years.

Customer Service

Professional Development and Training

The following professional development and training opportunities are being explored and planned for the staff and volunteers at this park:

• Respectful Workplace
• Title VI
• Great Customer Service
• Park History Education Training for Staff
• First Aid & CPR
• Routine management training
• Understanding Bias Training for all front-line staff
• Master Trail Building Certification
• S212 Advanced Chainsaw Training
• Routine law enforcement training
• Increased habitat and natural resource management training, educations, and certifications

Summary of Key Recommendations

Please provide short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for addressing operational issues at the park and improving overall park performance.

Short Term Recommendations (Less than 1 year)

Site and Facilities

• Convert unused bathhouse into a laundry service to support cabin operation

Operations and Staffing

• Convert Lifeguard position to a Custodial Worker 1 position
• Improve Lenoir Museum management and governance via updates to the contract with the family

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Update interpretive exhibits and temporary exhibits at Lenoir Museum
• Add a communal fire ring and seating at CCC cabin area
• Improve Trailhead signs and Kiosks
• Offer professional development with staff
• Work to improve the original Camp Sam Trail for horse traffic and place barriers around CCC camp and fragile structures to keep horse traffic off  

Mid Term Recommendations (2-5 years)

Site and Facilities

• Improvements and upgrades made to wastewater treatment plant
• Replace playground by Standard Cabin Area with a communal area (fire rings, shelter, hammocks, etc.) Identify and remove trees and invasives around key structures at Camp Kinchen
• Acquire National Historic Registry designation for CCC camp, Rice Gristmill and Crosby Threshing Barn
• Add interpretive panels for all historic sites  

Operations and Staffing

• Addition of Park Manager 1 or Park Ranger 2
• Addition of TSP Custodial Lead
• Addition of 1 TSP Maintenance Lead position
• Conversion of Museum Program Assistant to Interpretive Ranger position
• Continue and offer new professional development

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Improve primitive campground by having level tent pads
• Add hammock camping at backcountry sites/and or east primitive area
• Expand CCC themed program offerings such as living history, guided hikes and special events
• Add parking curbs to protect visitors from backing into original stone CCC work at marina

Long Term Recommendations (5+ years)

Site and Facilities

• Historic restoration and preservation of CCC structures and other historic buildings (Continuous Effort)
• Continued preventative maintenance on all cabins

Operations and Staffing

• Dedicated Resource management personnel

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Continue to maintain trail blazes and signs on 33 miles of trail
• Revamp directional, informational signs and kiosks
• Functional gristmill for demonstrational purposes

Resource Management Plan

A resource management plan is a specific statement of the objectives you have for your land and natural resources, as well as any significant cultural and historic resources stewarded by the state park. This includes a defined series of priorities and activities that will take place in order to meet those objectives. This can include future potential land acquisitions or divestitures that are necessary to meet the park’s resource management goals and objectives.

Norris Dam State Park shall professionally maintain the many natural and cultural assets throughout the park. Through resource management, research planning, cultural resource protection, education and partnerships. Norris Dam will stimulate the public’s understanding and appreciation for the rich natural and cultural history and impact regionally and nationally. The park will continue to foster connections for future generations of park visitors, supporters, and advocates.

The contents of this resource management plan are as follows:

Resource Management Objectives

Resource Inventory and Assessment

Management Strategies

Land Management Strategies

Resource Management Objectives

Goal

Tennessee State Parks will be nationally recognized for exemplary stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

Objectives

• More and better stewards: Increase internal and external stewards who share Tennessee State Parks core values and can contribute to the State Parks mission to steward Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources.
• Better resource management practices: Identify, manage, and restore unique natural and cultural resources for generations to come.
• Better data and technology: Leverage data and technology to help inform and guide decisions on natural and cultural resources stewardship.

Aligned with these objectives are specific strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for the natural, cultural, and historic resources of this park.

Strategies

A. Coordinate with Division of Natural Areas on rare species monitoring and management.

B. Coordinate with TN Historic Commission on monitoring and management of historic structures.

C. Leverage partnerships with GIS team for geospatial analysis of park resources.

D. Fully Implement Hazardous Tree Management Plan.

E. Implement a Biodiversity monitoring program for park fauna and flora.

F. Continue to coordinate efforts with TN Division of Forestry to manage invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

Resource Inventory and Assessment

The significant natural, cultural and historic resources of the park requiring management are detailed below including a condition assessment rating for each. Condition assessments are selected from the following options based on what most describes the current condition of the resource:

1. Excellent – resource is in excellent condition; all potential threats to the integrity of the resource are currently managed and effectively mitigated.
2. Good – resource is generally in good condition and stable; threats to the integrity of the resource require regular management to mitigate.
3. Fair – resource is in stable condition but difficult to mitigate ongoing threats; additional management support is required.
4. Poor – resource is generally in poor condition with management support required to both improve existing conditions and address threats.
5. Critical – resource is highly threatened or deteriorated and requires immediate management prioritization.

Management Strategies

The management strategies outlined below are directly correlated to the resources identified previously in the Resource Inventory and Assessment section immediately above. These are general and overall management recommendations for each resource from which priority actions will be determined. Each resource has both a “Public Use” management strategy (which could include limited or no public access, or managed access with infrastructure and regulation) and a “General Management” strategy.
The priority assignments reflect the highest resource management priorities of the park over the next 1-5 years (High Priority) and 6-10 years (Moderate Priority)

Land Management Strategies

In some cases, strategic land acquisitions or divestitures are necessary to meet the overall resource management goals and objectives of the park. This can include opportunities to address buffers, watersheds, viewsheds, inholdings, and adjacent properties. The table below details general strategies for land management. Timelines refer to Short Term (1-3 years), Mid Term (4-6 years), and Long Term (7-10 years).

Interpretive Programming and Education Five-Year Action Plan

Tennessee State Parks’ Interpretation, Programming, and Education team is helping park staff set and achieve programming goals by developing Interpretive Action Plans. This process begins with conversations with Area Interpretive Rangers that prepare field staff for the Scoping Meeting. This meeting brings park staff and stakeholders together to identify audience(s), themes, resources, and set goals and objectives. This information then turns into the five-year Interpretive Action Plan.

Park Primary Interpretive Theme

As a product of the New Deal Project, Norris Dam State Park demonstrates the impact of historical, recreation, and economic decisions on the natural and cultural resources of the region.

Park Secondary Interpretive Themes

S.1. The surrounding rich Appalachian culture has had a profound impact on Norris Dam’s history.

S.2. The New Deal Program and the CCC had a significant impact on Norris Dam State Park and the surrounding landscape.

S.3. Norris Dam State Park contains hardwood forests, streams, and rare plants that require active management.

S.4. The waters, forests, and trails inside Norris Dam State Park make it a hub for recreation in the area.

Existing Audiences

Emerging Audiences

Park Programming Inventory Data

Key Park Natural, Cultural, and Recreational Resources

Key Park Interpretive Infrastructure

1.  Lenoir Museum
2. Norris Dam
3. Norris Dam marina/boat-Eleanor
4. Rice Grist mill
5. Caleb Crosby Threshing barn
6. CCC structures
7. Trails/backcountry sites
8. Nature Center
9. Headquarter’s theater
10. Town of Norris

Park Personnel Primarily Dedicated to Interpretation

Volunteer Hours and Numbers for Most Recent Fiscal Year

Park Interpretive Goals

Goal 1

Natural Resource Goal: Visitors and community partners will understand the importance of natural resource management at Norris Dam State Park.

Theme(s) Supported: S2, S3

• 2-Year Objective: Identify and conduct work project with 4 internal or external partners to support appropriate habitat management.
• 5-Year Objective: Identify 3 public facing sites to begin active habitat management with previously identified partners that align with master Natural Resources plan.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Ranger staff, maintenance staff, volunteers, and trail crews, Norris Lake cleanup crew, Park signage, mapping software, PPE, Oak grove boat ramp, east and west side trails, Camp Kinchen, native flower beds.

Strategy for Implementation: NDSP will demonstrate the importance of the appropriate and historically accurate habitats through proper Natural Resource management. Park staff with have an ongoing library of volunteer opportunities, park interpretation aligns with our natural resource management, establish internal and external partners for support, complete a habitat inventory, increase programming outreach to current and emerging audiences, expansion of staff knowledge.

Goal 2

Cultural Resource Goal: Visitors will understand the positive and negative impacts of the TVA to the community of Norris and the Appalachian culture.

Theme(s) Supported: P

• 2-Year Objective: The park will establish a baseline for attendance at programs that talk about the impact of TVA and see a 5% increase in attendance.
• 5-Year Objective: The park will establish a baseline for attendance and see a 5% increase in attendance at living history programs.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Ranger staff, interpretive staff, Park interpretive signage and panels, existing park archives, park program library, Camp Kinchen, Threshing Barn, Grist Mill, Lenoir Museum

Strategy for Implementation: Evaluate program outlines, refine them, and develop 3 program outlines. Provide living history program opportunities to park visitors utilizing approved program outlines/resources. Establish/improve partnerships with TVA, Norris, local historians, and Museum of Appalachia, work with other TN state parks to utilize or recruit existing living history affiliates, partner with AIRs and state wide programmings to evaluate/refine new and existing program outlines.

Goal 3

Education Goal: Increase participation from unreached school groups about topics that make Norris Dam significant.

Theme(s) Supported: P, S1, S2, S3

• 2-Year Objective: 5% of school group participation will be new/first time audiences.
• 5-Year Objective: 10% of school group participation will be new/first time audiences.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Ranger staff, interpretive staff, volunteers, Park interpretive signage and panels, existing park archives, park program library, park shelters, nature center, HQ theatre, captive animals, utilize state wide program library, Camp Kinchen, Threshing Barn, Grist Mill, Lenoir Museum

Strategy for Implementation:  Inventory established relationships with local schools/ educators, establish internal and external partners for support, expand staff knowledge, identify corresponding statewide academic standards, establish/improve partnerships with TVA, Norris, local historians, and Museum of Appalachia, create 5 new educational outlines, identify and contact new audiences and teachers, establish and contact local schools and school leadership, request attendance at annual teacher in-services and trainings.

Goal 4

Volunteer Goal: Offset park operational costs through use of appropriate volunteer efforts.

Theme(s) Supported: S1, S3

• 2-Year Objective: Reduce operational costs by 5% using volunteer hours.
• 5-Year Objective: Reduce operational costs by 7% using volunteer hours.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Ranger staff, maintenance staff, volunteers, and trail crew, Norris Lake cleanup crew, campground hosts, Park signage, mapping software and equipment, Oak grove boat ramp, east and west side trails, Camp Kinchen, native flower beds, east and west campgrounds.

Strategy for Implementation: Assess current park operational needs and shortages, review volunteer data in galaxy digital and assess scheduling opportunities, create 10 volunteer opportunities in tiered format, recruit additional volunteers through local interest groups and current programming opportunities, ensure staff/volunteer understanding of Galaxy Digital reporting, policies, and requirements.

Goal 5

Recreational Skills: Visitors will participate in repeat recreational visitation.

Theme(s) Supported: S4

• 2-Year Objective: Establish 2 recurring introduction recreational programs through local community partnerships. Establish a baseline and see a 5% increase in attendance at these programs.
• 5-Year Objective: Establish 2 recurring moderate-advanced recreational programs through local community partnerships. Establish a baseline and see a 5% increase in attendance at these programs.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Rangers staff, volunteers, Recreational gear, safety equipment, east and west trails, Hill Cave, waterways, Oak Grove boat ramp

Strategy for Implementation: Assess local and regional partnership options (sporting goods stores, recreational clubs - focusing on kayaking, biking, caving, hiking, fishing, and backpacking). Assess opportunities for staff to shadow subject experts within the recreational community. Research and apply for recreational gear and safety equipment grants. Assess current recreational infrastructure and improve as needed. Assess current recreational gear and safety equipment. Promote introduction programs to social media.

Financial Performance Goals

Financial performance goals are a critical performance management tool of the Tennessee State Park System. While the financial performance of parks are managed more intently at the system level, individual parks are expected to recover a portion of their operating costs through the generation of earned revenues where appropriate and to contribute to the system goals. The majority of earned revenues at state parks are generated through facility usage (campsites, cabins, lodge rooms, rentable pavilions, etc.), the delivery of fee-based programs and services, equipment rental and usage, and retail sales. Other forms of revenue generation come from golf courses and restaurants where those amenities are present. That said, not all parks have the same ability to generate earned revenues because the availability of facilities or programs vary widely from one park to the next. The “recovery” of operational costs by earned revenues is referred to as “cost recovery”. Operating costs beyond those supported by earned revenues represents the extent to which state funding support operations at each park.

The table below represents the overall park cost recovery for this specific park for the most recent fiscal year and forecast estimates for the upcoming five years. These estimates are based on projection estimates for known and foreseeable costs and recovery figures.

Park Overall Cost Recovery Goals