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Side-Lake
Eden Index
Climate
4.8
•
Recreation
4.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.4/10
Side Lake is a small unincorporated community located in St. Louis County, Minnesota. The region experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Average winter temperatures range from 0°F to 20°F (-18°C to -7°C), while summer temperatures reach highs of 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). The area receives an average of 35 inches (89 cm) of precipitation annually, with snowfall common during the winter months.
Situated near Side Lake is McCarthy Beach State Park, offering various outdoor recreation opportunities. This park features a beautiful sandy beach along Loon Lake, perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the summer. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and canoeing on the crystal-clear waters of Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the park's scenic trails, which wind through the dense forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. During the winter, the park offers opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
In summary, Side Lake, Minnesota, boasts a continental climate with distinct seasons, ample precipitation, and a variety of outdoor activities making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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): 4.8
Side-Lake receives approximately
692mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
4°C.
Side-Lake has a plant hardyness factor of
3, 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
Rainy
Area Rivers
Rainy
Snowpack Depths
Rainy
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Rainy
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodenfrog - Kabetogama State Forest | 60 | 1,126 ft | |||
| Thistledew ? George Washington State Forest | 21 | 1,385 ft | |||
| McCarthy Beach State Park | 90 | 1,393 ft | |||
| County O Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River | None | 781 ft | |||
| Lebanon Hills Regional Park | 93 | 979 ft | |||
| Banning State Park | 35 | 1,118 ft | |||
| Lake Byllesby Regional Park | 60 | 868 ft | |||
| Isanti County Fairgrounds | None | 956 ft | |||
| Sunrise Ferry Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River | None | 789 ft | |||
| Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park | 78 | 893 ft | |||
| Old Railroad Bridge - St. Croix National Scenic River | None | 782 ft | |||
| Veterans Campground - Big Marine Lake | None | 962 ft | |||
| Lake Elmo County Park Preserve | 80 | 908 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.