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Lucas
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
2.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.9/10
Lucas, Iowa is a picturesque small town situated in the southern part of the state. The climate in Lucas is classified as humid continental, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from highs of around 85°F (29°C) in summer to lows of approximately 15°F (-9°C) in winter. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of about 35 inches (89 cm).
Hydrology constituents in Lucas primarily consist of the Chariton River, which flows just west of the town. The river offers opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, with species like bass, catfish, and crappie commonly found. Additionally, the river serves as a scenic backdrop for various outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and nature walks.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Lucas are abundant, with the town being surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The nearby Stephens State Forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting. Additionally, the picturesque Whitebreast Recreation Area, located east of Lucas, offers a range of activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Nature lovers will also appreciate the stunning views and hiking trails at Red Haw State Park, just a short drive away.
In conclusion, Lucas, Iowa offers a pleasant climate with distinct seasons, the Chariton River for fishing and water activities, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in its surrounding natural areas.
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
Lucas receives approximately
931mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Lucas 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): 2.2
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
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.