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Merritt
Eden Index
Climate
6.1
•
Recreation
3.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Merritt, Michigan is a small rural community located in Missaukee County in the northern part of the state. The climate in Merritt is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of 36 inches.
As for hydrology constituents, Merritt is surrounded by several lakes, including Lake Missaukee, which is the largest and most popular for recreational activities. The lake's clear waters offer excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as walleye, bass, and pike attracting anglers throughout the year. Additionally, the lake provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and water sports.
Apart from Lake Missaukee, the area around Merritt boasts numerous streams and rivers, ideal for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. These waterways offer a peaceful and scenic experience for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region's natural beauty.
Merritt's natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area is rich in forests, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. There are also several designated hunting areas for those interested in pursuing game like deer and turkey.
In conclusion, Merritt, Michigan offers a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities, thanks to its climate, hydrology constituents, and abundant natural resources. Whether it's fishing, boating, hiking, or hunting, nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in this picturesque community.
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): 6.1
Merritt receives approximately
765mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Merritt has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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
Northeastern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Northeastern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Northeastern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Northeastern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier Lake Rec Area | 43 | 908 ft | |||
| Shelldrake Dam - State Forest | 18 | 648 ft | |||
| Tahquamenon Falls 1 State Park | 275 | 616 ft | |||
| Three Lakes | 28 | 877 ft | |||
| Bay View | 24 | 622 ft | |||
| Andrus Lake - State Forest | 25 | 637 ft | |||
| Lake Michigan | 34 | 601 ft | |||
| Little Brevoort Lake (South) - State Forest | 12 | 651 ft | |||
| Trout Lake City Park | 83 | 830 ft | |||
| Brevort Lake | 84 | 632 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.