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Beacon
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
4.8
•
Community
2.5
•
Safeguard
5.4/10
Beacon, Iowa is a small town located in southeastern Iowa with a population of approximately 500 people. The climate in Beacon is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with an average annual precipitation of 36 inches. The town is situated near the Skunk River, which is the primary source of hydrology constituents in the area. Outdoor recreation opportunities in Beacon include fishing and boating on the Skunk River, as well as hiking and camping in nearby parks such as Lake Darling State Park and Geode State Park. The town also hosts an annual Fall Festival, which includes a parade and various activities for families.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
Beacon receives approximately
938mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Beacon has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Des Moines
Area Rivers
Des Moines
Snowpack Depths
Des Moines
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Des Moines
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.8
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versailles City Park | None | 990 ft | |||
| Thomas Hill Reservoir - Hwy T Campground - MDC | 10 | 753 ft | |||
| Lake of the Ozarks State Park | 183 | 773 ft | |||
| Salisbury City Park | None | 714 ft | |||
| Rippee Conserrvation Area - MDC | None | 793 ft | |||
| Katy Roundhouse Campground | None | 601 ft | |||
| Bennett Spring State Park | None | 880 ft | |||
| Lake of the Ozarks Military | None | 768 ft | |||
| Stump Island Park | 12 | 618 ft | |||
| Rothwell Park | None | 858 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.5
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.