Hiwassee State Park Strategic Management Plan

Park Purpose, History and Description

The primary purpose of Hiwassee State Park is to facilitate conservation and recreation on the Hiwassee Scenic River. Designated a scenic river in 1968, the Hiwassee is Tennessee’s first scenic river.  Our park provides educational opportunities with historical sites, interpretive trails and camping. All of this is accomplished through co-operative agreement with federal, state and local agencies.

The purpose of Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is to preserve and protect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Hiwassee River valley. By providing a space for outdoor recreation, education, and interpretation, the park aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the region's unique ecosystem, geological features, and historical significance. Through responsible management and conservation efforts, the park seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of its resources and promote environmental stewardship among visitors and local communities.

Furthermore, Hiwassee Scenic River State Park strives to serve as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities and amenities. From hiking and camping to fishing and whitewater rafting, the park aims to provide opportunities for individuals and families to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, and create lasting memories. By maintaining well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and visitor facilities, the park aspires to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for people of all ages and abilities. Ultimately, Hiwassee Scenic River State Park endeavors to be a place of inspiration, relaxation, and adventure, where visitors 

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:

• Hiwassee Scenic River State Park should continue to improve and build its relationships with USFS, TWRA, TVA, Polk County chamber of commerce. We should work to review and/or renew management agreements and leases in order to seek a better and clear definition of the park's role and jurisdiction within the Hiwassee corridor.
• There should be an ongoing effort to truly capture the history of, kayaking, canoeing and fishing in order to better preserve this bit of Tennessee Culture and history. To tell the history of this river and to personalize it in a relatable manner will create more internal and external stewards.

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

Action Plan:

• Hiwassee Scenic Rivers State Park has identified an endangered species of plant (Ruths Golden Aster) that only exists in Polk County within the Hiwassee and the Ocoee River gorge. We have teamed up with TVA for a research project and have designed a patch that will be sold out of our office and all revenue generated will be dedicated to identifying and providing the resources necessary to allow this little flower to thrive.
• The Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is always needing improvement in getting management practices and public buy in for improving the resource. The Hiwassee, it has been identified, falls under the Scenic Rivers act, but there are no clear laws or laid out enforcements. This needs to be changed. We believe that more education as to watersheds and the endangered flora and fauna would greatly benefit our ability to preserve our park.

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

Action Plan:

•  We need to utilize seasonal staff at our Reliance River access to obtain better usage numbers, this area is multi use and used for a take-out, put in and picnic area.
• Hiwassee Scenic River State Park has been updating its traffic counters and monitoring the River’s usage more and more accurately over the past 30 years.
• We are active in social media, which allows us to have an interactive relationship with our guests. We respond to customer satisfaction surveys and constantly seek to build our strengths and improve on our weaknesses.

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:

• Complete our upcoming campground renovation, consisting of 2 new bathhouses, picnic pavilion, camp site amenities, new water lines, dump station and improvements at our boat ramp.
• Hiwassee Scenic River State Park has recently opened an outdoor classroom for smaller groups.
• Assume management of the Lost Corral campground from USFS
• Build a new Aviary behind the office close to the outdoor classroom to make our Birds of Prey more accessible to our visitors and provide a better area to properly care for the BOP. This would also be a good time to include a roof over the outdoor classroom so programs could continue rain or shine.
• We are also hoping to purchase more boats and conduct guided floats on the Hiwassee River to interpret the flora and fauna as well as the rivers cultural and historical importance. It is important as we move forward we properly train rangers and staff with things such as swift water rescue , rope and rescue techniques as well as additional medical training such as EMT.
• Partner closely with the USFS, TVA, and TWRA to deliver a seamless visitor experience across shared lands. Priority initiatives include assisting with accessible boat launch at the TWRA 411 ramp and utilizing the Good Neighbor Authority with the USFS to maintain consistent management standards throughout the Hiwassee River Gorge.
• Collaborate with TN Valley Rail to explore new recreational and interpretive opportunities that enhance visitor experience

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

Action Plan:

• Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is finally beginning to find its true purpose as a recreational park. Our mission is to help inspire our guests to enjoy our rivers and the surrounding areas and increase their ability to do so through programming.
• Possible interpretive opportunities with the TN Valley Railroad passenger trips   

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

Action Plan:

• Hiwassee Scenic River State Park has begun offering more Ranger/SIR lead interpretive trips on the Hiwassee. This opportunity and ability should increase, as well as expand to having introductory classes or programs to boating and fishing.

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:

• Our maintenance staff is one of our main strengths.
• They are hardworking, knowledgeable and tend to have a high working morale.
• Create orientation videos to better train our seasonal staff.
• Conduct monthly staff meetings to keep everyone informed.

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

Action Plan:

• Campground renovation will involve new ADA compliant facilities.
•  More accessible playground for those with limited physical capacities. Most of our areas are frequented by groups with vastly different physical capabilities and age ranges.
• Make story book trail ADA accessible

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

Action Plan:

• Campground renovation underway, that will include new amenities, 2 bath houses, pavilion, and improvements at our boat access as well as new infrastructure
•  Pavilion coming
• Our boat ramp at Gee creek getting some work
• Campsite groundwork that will amplify and support campground renovation, such as replace, repair table pads and backfill with gravel

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:

• Hiwassee Scenic River State Park believes in training and employee buy in.  This occurs when our workforce is able to operate from their strengths. At Hiwassee Scenic River State Park, we plan to continue to inspire our coworkers to educate themselves and pursue their career interests.
• The manager’s office door is always open for discourse, monthly staff meetings allow our staff to exchange ideas and work through challenges.
•  All of our staff are given individual spheres of responsibility in order to give them some autonomy and allow one’s work to be a reflection of one’s values. 
• Good work is rewarded by group emails, group texts, and the occasional purchase of lunch. We are reminded of our mission often and we base our decisions on how our behaviors and actions reflect that mission.

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

Action Step:

• Hiwassee Scenic River State Parks strives to be frugal.
• Maximize the public’s investment in our park and provide the greatest value to promoting and preserving our resource.

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.

• Hiwassee River Fishing Rafting and kayaking;
• Camping at Gee Creek.
• Picnicking and gatherings at Reliance Day Use Area.
• Visitor’s Center for directions and advice on area attractions and events with our Rangers.
• Cultural significance of Fort Marr, and our fish weir

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 Hiwassee Scenic River 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 Hiwassee Scenic River State Park and provides the assessed condition of each as reviewed in August 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.

The table below provides brief descriptions and solutions for current and foreseeable facility maintenance needs.

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 Hiwassee Scenic River State Park have been identified as core services:

• Patrol and Provide Search and Rescue Services on the Hiwassee/River.
• 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 for 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 ADA standards.
• Provide for basic, non-staff supported day-use activities such as trails, informational signage, picnic tables, 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 Hiwassee Scenic River State Park have been identified as important services:

• Programming and interpretation for Polk County and surrounding area schools
• Provide facilities for gatherings and events at our park locations
• Provide education and interpretation on site for waterways and swiftwater recreation
• Programming and interpretation for our guests
• Animal and Reptile Interpretation
• Guided river float tours
• Offer Park specific information at park Visitor Center

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 Hiwassee Scenic River State Park have been identified as visitor supported services:

• Fee Based Programs
• Gift Shop
• Camping

Personnel / Staffing Review

Personnel and staffing at Hiwassee Scenic River State Park represent the largest area of budgetary expense at an average of 68.7% of the total operating budget each year for the last three complete years, which is slightly more 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:

• Programming and interpretation for Polk County and surrounding area schools
• Provide facilities for gatherings and events at our park locations
•  Provide education and interpretation on site for waterways and swiftwater recreation
• Programming and interpretation for our guests
• Animal and Reptile Interpretation
• Guided river float tours
• Offer Park specific information at park Visitor Center

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

• Continue to maintain high cleaning schedule during busy times at Gee Creek

Operations and Staffing

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• More water-based education and programming options.
• Park based work orientation videos.
• Improve accuracy of visitation numbers and how we are tracking this information, install traffic counter at Reliance

Mid Term Recommendations (2-5 years)

Site and Facilities

• Install new bath house @ Gee Creek
• Repair Gee Creek Boat Ramp
• Campground renovation project, to include 2 bath houses, pavilion, boat ramp repair, infrastructure and dump station
• Management of Lost Corral Campground
• Aviary

Operations and Staffing

• Evaluate staffing needs and job classifications for optimal management of the park

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• Most events and water-based education
• More uniform approach to training

Long Term Recommendations (5+ years)

Site and Facilities

• Preservation of Fort Marr to protect and stablize it long-term

Operations and Staffing

• Review staffing regarding potential new management responsibilities.
• Hopefully we will still have the excellent full-time group that we have.
• Train New staff

Customer Service / Visitor Experience

• We should be leaders in swiftwater education and have a bigger role in state training.
• The Hiwassee staff will now be focusing solely on the Hiwassee, this should have a big impact on our park as well as visitor experience.

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.

Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is committed to safeguarding the park's natural resources and cultural assets for future generations. The park recognizes the importance of preserving the diverse flora and fauna, scenic landscapes, and geological formations that make it a unique and ecologically significant area. Through active conservation and sustainable management practices, the park aims to maintain the integrity of its ecosystems, ensuring the survival of native species, and protecting critical habitats.

Additionally, Hiwassee Scenic River State Park is dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage and historical sites. The park acknowledges the value of the region's rich human history, including the indigenous communities and the legacy of early settlers. By conducting research, documentation, and preservation efforts, the park seeks to safeguard archaeological sites, historic structures, and artifacts, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area's past. By integrating resource protection into all aspects of planning and decision-making, Hiwassee Scenic River State Park strives to ensure that its natural and cultural resources remain intact and resilient, providing enduring benefits to both the environment and the community.

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

• Need to update operational rules and policies on the Hiwassee for a more uniform management and a better-defined role.
• Work with partners and external stakeholders as well as Ocoee River state park, we still share a large user group.
• Continue partnership with TVA, and USFS concerning Ruths Golden Aster
• Grow Hiwassee Blueways and Hiwassee Friend’s Group.

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).

Supplemental Information

Both of these areas are currenlty managed by the USFS, but the Park's operations could improve the use of the resource and its protectoion if turned over to the park. 

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

The Hiwassee Scenic River's protected waters flow through a mosaic of rare habitats, making it home to unique flora, fauna, and endangered species, marking the park's natural and cultural heritage.

Park Secondary Interpretive Themes

S.1. The Hiwassee River was home to the Cherokee people, their culture, history, and traditions remain etched into the landscape and its spirit.

S.2. Hiwassee Scenic River stands as a recreational cornerstone to paddlers, hikers, and outdoor recreators of all walks of life.

S.3. The area surrounding Hiwassee Scenic River State Park, has a rich history and culture of resilience, resourcefulness, and community of Appalachia

S.4. The Hiwassee River has historically been the focus of conservation debates and efforts for generations.

Existing Audiences

Emerging Audiences

Park Programming Inventory Data

Key Park Natural, Cultural, and Recreational Resources

Key Park Interpretive Infrastructure

1. Outdoor classroom/amphitheater
2.  Visitor center reptile habitats
3. Aviary
4. Gee Creek campground trail
5. Storybook trail
6. Gee Creek boat ramp
7. Reliance boat ramp
8. Open field

Park Personnel Primarily Dedicated to Interpretation

Volunteer Hours and Numbers for Most Recent Fiscal Year

Park Interpretive Goals

Goal 1

Natural Resource Goal: To provide opportunities for visitors to gain apprecation of the pristine waters of the Hiwassee River.

Theme(s) Supported: P

• 2-Year Objective: Participation in natural resource based interpretive programming ill increase by 5%. Engagement with non-personal interpretive panels about the scenic river designation will increase by 5%.
• 5-Year Objective: Engagement with non-personal interpretive panels about the native river cane will increase by 5%. Engagement with non-personal interpretive brochure about Hiwassee Scenic River's endangered species (Hellbenders, Ruth's Golden Aster) will increase by 5%.

Resources Assigned to Goal: SIR, park ranger staff

Strategy for Implementation: 2 Years: Creation of interpretive panel about the river's scenic designation: Creation of 3 park programs about the park's unique natural habitat, flora, and fauna. 5 Years: Creation of interpretive panel about the native river cane.

Creation of interpretive brochure about Hiwassee Scenic River's endangered species: Hellbenders, Ruth's Golden Aster

Goal 2

Cultural Resource Goal: To share the rich history and culture of the Cherokee with visitors in order to improve their understanding of the indigenous people who once occupied this land.

Theme(s) Supported: S1

• 2-Year Objective: Set baseline for attendance and engagement over 2 years and see a 5% increase
• 5-Year Objective: Engagement/attendance with Cherokee specific interpretation will increase by 10% over 5 years

Resources Assigned to Goal: SIR, park ranger staff

Strategy for Implementation: Build relationships and cooperation with interest groups and Cherokee programmers to create non-personal interpretation and programs/events about Cherokee history and culture. 2 years: Create non-personal interpretation (panel/brochure) about Cherokee artifacts on site. 5 Years: Create 1 program about Cherokee heritage/culture.

Goal 3

Volunteer Goal: Volunteers with increse the park's workforce capacity to care for the park and its resources.

Theme(s) Supported: P

• 2-Year Objective: Increase number of volunteer opportunities from current baseline by 5% and see a corresponding rise in the number of volunteers.
• 5-Year Objective: Increase number of volunteers participating in volunteer opportunities by 10%.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Park ranger assigned to Galaxy Digital

Strategy for Implementation: The park staff will ensure that 100% of volunteer opportunities and hours are logged in Galaxy Digital. Analyze and use captured data to address inefficiencies and identify external organizations to partner with for volunteer recruitment.

Goal 4

Cultural Resource Goal: To share Appalachian culture in order to increase visitors' appreciation of the history of the surrounding community and people.

Theme(s) Supported: PS3

• 2-Year Objective: Set baseline for attendance and engagement with Appalachian cultural interpretive experiences and look for a 5% increase in attendance and engagement.
• 5-Year Objective: Engagement/attendance with Appalachian cultural interpretation will increase by 10%

Resources Assigned to Goal: SIR, park ranger staff

Strategy for Implementation: Research into history of the people of the area, collect primary accounts through interviews of long-time locals. Research and development of historical skills. Within 2 years, create a program about the history and culture of the area (focus on bluegrass/ local music). Create living history programming that may expand into Appalachian cultural event within 5 years.

Goal 5

Education Goal: To improve student preparedness and educator engagement with HSRSP natural/cultural programming in alignment with curriculum standards during organized field trips and school visits.

Theme(s) Supported: P

• 2-Year Objective: Establish a baseline for successful field trip/school outreach experiences through reporting and improve success rate of educational programming by 5%
• 5-Year Objective: Increase education program requests for on-site field trips by 5%.

Resources Assigned to Goal: Park Ranger staff

Strategy for Implementation: Utilize existing educational program outlines from Sharepoint for 4th and 5th grade curriculum standards. Create 1-3 new educational program outlines for 4th and 5th grade curriculum standards, focusing on a specific program to accompany Hiwassee River Rail adventure guided tours and field trip

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