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Buffalo-Center
Eden Index
Climate
6.8
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
3.2
•
Safeguard
4.5/10
Buffalo Center is a small town in northern Iowa with a humid continental climate. Summers are warm with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, while winters are cold with temperatures often below freezing. The area receives an average of 34 inches of precipitation per year, with most occurring in the summer months. The Buffalo Creek runs through the town and is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing. The creek is also monitored for nitrate and phosphate levels as it is a potential source of contamination for the nearby Cedar River Watershed. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking and wildlife viewing at the nearby Crystal Lake Wildlife Management Area and camping at the Lake Cornelia Recreation Area.
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): 6.8
Buffalo-Center receives approximately
822mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Buffalo-Center 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
Minnesota
Area Rivers
Minnesota
Snowpack Depths
Minnesota
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Minnesota
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | 70 | 1,281 ft | |||
| Allansons Park | 15 | 827 ft | |||
| Crosby Memorial Park | None | 1,243 ft | |||
| Cuyuna Country State Park - Portsmouth Campground | 25 | 1,238 ft | |||
| Pierz Park | 38 | 1,149 ft | |||
| Riverside Park - St Peter | 11 | 758 ft | |||
| Daly County Park | 86 | 1,037 ft | |||
| Minneopa State Park | 60 | 845 ft | |||
| Rapidan Dam Co Park | 20 | 890 ft | |||
| Bray County Park | 43 | 1,068 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
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): 3.2
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.