Eden Index

Merrimac

Climate • Recreation • Community • Catastrophe

Merrimac
Eden Index
Climate 6.9 • Recreation 4.9 • Community • Safeguard

4.5/10

Merrimac is a small village located in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Situated along the eastern shore of Lake Wisconsin, it offers a picturesque setting with access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The climate in Merrimac is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from around 15°F (-9°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 32 inches (81 cm).

Hydrology in the area is mainly influenced by Lake Wisconsin, a reservoir formed by the Wisconsin River. The lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Anglers can find species such as walleye, northern pike, muskie, and bass.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore nearby natural areas, including Devil's Lake State Park, which offers hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail passes through Merrimac, attracting hikers and nature lovers.

Overall, Merrimac provides a serene environment with a range of outdoor activities, making it an appealing destination for those seeking natural beauty and recreational pursuits.

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): 6.9


Merrimac receives approximately 836mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 81% and air temperatures averaging around 8°C. Merrimac 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

Wisconsin

Area Rivers

Wisconsin



Snowpack Depths

Wisconsin



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Wisconsin



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.9


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
Walkiah Bluff Water Park None 38 ft
Lake Columbia 12 212 ft
Simpson County Lake 11 427 ft
Pomeroy Lake 17 1,643 ft
Whispering Hills - Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park 94 991 ft
Shockaloe Base Camp I 10 578 ft
Choctaw - Grenada Lake 5 289 ft
DLo Water Park None 312 ft
Brigham Park 25 1,364 ft
Okatoma Water Park None 396 ft
McLeod Water Park None 22 ft
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park 95 747 ft
Green River State Wildlife Area 50 677 ft
Skuna/Turkey Creek - Grenada Lake None 246 ft
Lake Ross Barnett 22 402 ft
Spring Lake State Conservation Area 70 507 ft
Carl Spindler None 456 ft
Bryant - Grenada Lake 6 210 ft
St. Bernard State Park None 3 ft
Camp New Wood County Park None 1,322 ft
North Abutment - Grenada Lake 88 251 ft
Devils Backbone Park 20 362 ft
Leake County Water Park None 324 ft
Mirror Lake State Park 165 868 ft
Francis City Park None 816 ft
Riverside/Fern's Edge - Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park 75 859 ft
Randolph County State Conservation Area 95 513 ft
Fort Kaskaskia State Park None 598 ft
Otter Lake 25 1,643 ft
Roosevelt State Park None 562 ft
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park None 667 ft
Trail of Tears State Park None 441 ft
Sangchris Lake State Park 185 586 ft
Langford Lake 11 1,681 ft
Ontonagon County Park 43 1,301 ft
Low Head Dam None 310 ft
Rocky Arbor State Park 90 852 ft
Lake Girardeau Conservation Area - MDC None 404 ft
Old Fort - Grenada Lake 21 279 ft
Coal Bluff Park 60 335 ft
Blue Mound State Park None 1,522 ft
Lake Gogebic State Park 165 1,304 ft
Dry Creek Water Park None 514 ft
Hugh White State Park None 310 ft
Lake Lou Yaeger None 691 ft
Lake Gogebic County Park None 1,296 ft
Johnson Creek 20 644 ft
General Watkins Conservation Area - MDC 5 466 ft
Council Grounds State Park 55 1,300 ft
Bergland Town Park 15 1,320 ft
Marathon Park None 1,268 ft
Rib Mountain State Park 30 1,850 ft
Little Black Creek Waterpark None 296 ft
Lincolns New Salem Historic Site 200 606 ft
Scott AFB Military None 439 ft
North Graysport - Grenada Lake 51 279 ft
Lake Mike Conner 20 314 ft
Jubilee College State Park 165 674 ft
Sand Ridge State Forest - Forest City 27 498 ft
Sara Park None 1,443 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.


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