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Merkel
Eden Index
Climate
9.6
•
Recreation
•
Community
2.5
•
Safeguard
4.5/10
Merkel, a small town located in Taylor County, Texas, is known for its unique climate and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Situated in the central part of the state, Merkel experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summers can be scorching with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, while winters are generally mild with occasional cold spells.
Hydrologically, Merkel is primarily influenced by the Clear Fork Brazos River, which flows nearby. The river provides a source of water for the town and supports various recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Additionally, Merkel lies within the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer, which serves as the main source of groundwater for the community.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Merkel have access to an array of recreational opportunities. The nearby Abilene State Park offers hiking trails, camping grounds, and opportunities for birdwatching. Lake Fort Phantom Hill, situated a short drive away, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. Hunting is also popular in the area, with abundant game such as deer, turkey, and quail.
In summary, Merkel, Texas offers a semi-arid climate, reliant on the Clear Fork Brazos River and Edwards-Trinity Aquifer for hydrological needs, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and hunting.
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): 9.6
Merkel receives approximately
611mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 75%
and air temperatures averaging around
18°C.
Merkel has a plant hardyness factor of
8, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
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
Middle Brazos-Clear Fork
Area Rivers
Middle Brazos-Clear Fork
Snowpack Depths
Middle Brazos-Clear Fork
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Middle Brazos-Clear Fork
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI):
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Park - Hamlin | None | 1,765 ft | |||
| Dyess Military - Dyess AFB | 30 | 1,752 ft | |||
| Ballinger City Park | 8 | 1,624 ft | |||
| Abilene State Park | 84 | 1,986 ft | |||
| Hamlin City Park | None | 1,716 ft | |||
| W. Lee Colburn Park | 14 | 1,814 ft | |||
| Ballinger Lake Park | 22 | 1,681 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): 2.5
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.