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Columbia
Eden Index
Climate
7.9
•
Recreation
4.0
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.5/10
Columbia is a small town located in south-central Iowa. The climate is typical of the Midwest, with hot summers and cold winters. The area is characterized by rolling hills and farmland, with several small streams and creeks running through the region. The hydrology constituents of the area include the South Skunk River Watershed and the Mississippi River Basin. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking and camping at nearby state parks, fishing in local streams and lakes, and hunting in the surrounding woodlands. The town is also within driving distance of several larger cities, including Des Moines and Iowa City, providing access to additional recreational activities and cultural amenities.
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): 7.9
Columbia receives approximately
925mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Columbia 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): 4.0
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightfoot Landing - Pomme de Terre Lake | None | 870 ft | |||
| Outlet Area - Pomme de Terre Lake | None | 776 ft | |||
| Pomme de Terre State Park | None | 923 ft | |||
| Osage Bluff - Harry S. Truman Lake | None | 807 ft | |||
| Wheatland - Pomme de Terre Lake | None | 905 ft | |||
| Lincoln City Park | 4 | 955 ft | |||
| Nemo Landing - Pomme de Terre Lake | None | 912 ft | |||
| Pittsburg Park - Pomme de Terre Lake | None | 871 ft | |||
| Van Meter State Park | None | 662 ft | |||
| Damsite - Pomme de Terre Lake | None | 862 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.