-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Chester
Eden Index
Climate
6.4
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.5/10
Chester is a small town located in northeast Iowa, with a population of around 120 residents. The climate in Chester is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with an average annual temperature of 47°F. The town sits on the banks of the Upper Iowa River, which is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing. The river is also home to a variety of fish, including smallmouth bass and brown trout. The hydrology constituents in Chester are mainly made up of agricultural runoff, which can affect water quality. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the area include hiking and camping in the nearby state parks and forests, as well as hunting and fishing in the surrounding woodlands.
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): 6.4
Chester receives approximately
888mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Chester has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drakesville City Park | 6 | 886 ft | |||
| Lake Wapello State Park | 80 | 803 ft | |||
| Thomas Hill Reservoir - Hwy T Campground - MDC | 10 | 753 ft | |||
| McGowen Rec Area | 12 | 857 ft | |||
| Lake Fisher | 6 | 840 ft | |||
| Finger Lakes State Park | None | 725 ft | |||
| Rothwell Park | None | 858 ft | |||
| Binder Park | 17 | 655 ft | |||
| Macon Co Park | None | 873 ft | |||
| Long Branch State Park | None | 841 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):
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.