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Gowen
Eden Index
Climate
7.1
•
Recreation
4.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.3/10
Gowen, Michigan is a small community located in central Montcalm County. The climate in Gowen is considered to be continental with warm summers and cold winters. The area receives an average of 35 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority falling in the form of snow during the winter months. The hydrology constituents of Gowen include the Flat River and several small creeks and streams that flow through the area. Outdoor recreation opportunities in Gowen include fishing and boating on the Flat River, as well as hiking and camping in nearby state parks and forests. Additionally, the area is popular among hunters during the fall hunting season.
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): 7.1
Gowen receives approximately
897mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Gowen 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
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nottawa Park | 20 | 831 ft | |||
| Lake Clare Park Camp | 18 | 746 ft | |||
| Bixler Lake City Campground | 100 | 965 ft | |||
| Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake | 90 | 807 ft | |||
| St. James Township | 12 | 607 ft | |||
| Hidden Diamonds City Park | None | 901 ft | |||
| Bill Wagner Memorial Park | 22 | 595 ft | |||
| Beaver Island - State Forest | 25 | 593 ft | |||
| Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area | 45 | 911 ft | |||
| Chain OLakes State Park | 410 | 956 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.