Balsam Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The Balsam Lake ecosystem supports 3 documented wildlife species across 3 taxonomic genera. Located in Polk County, Wisconsin, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 1 frequently observed species and 0 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Polk County nearby has 97% more documented species, Balsam Lake offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #6 for species diversity among 9 Polk County County natural areas, placing it in the 33th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 9 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common1 species

Common1 species

Occasional1 species

Rare0 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#6 of 9 locations

33th percentile for diversity

vs. Polk County

-97% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 3 total documented species.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Very Common3 obs.

Lithobates clamitans

Green Frog

Very Common1 obs.

Chrysemys picta

Eastern Painted Turtle

Very Common1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Balsam Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Balsam Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-91%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Polk County County, Wisconsin

Nearby Natural Areas

Polk County

Importance: 0.39

100 species

-97% vs. current

Half Moon Lake

Importance: 0.35

49 species

-94% vs. current

Balsam Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

-50% vs. current

Twin Lakes

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+50% vs. current

Amery

Importance: 0.32

9 species

-67% vs. current

Osceola

Importance: 0.32

2 species

+50% vs. current

St. Croix Falls

Importance: 0.31

94 species

-97% vs. current

Mill Pond

in Balsam Lake

Importance: 0.20

1 species

+200% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Polk County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-91%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Polk County County, Wisconsin

Nearby Natural Areas

Polk County

Importance: 0.39

100 species

-97% vs. current

Half Moon Lake

Importance: 0.35

49 species

-94% vs. current

Balsam Lake

Importance: 0.35

6 species

-50% vs. current

Twin Lakes

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+50% vs. current

Amery

Importance: 0.32

9 species

-67% vs. current

Osceola

Importance: 0.32

2 species

+50% vs. current

St. Croix Falls

Importance: 0.31

94 species

-97% vs. current

Mill Pond

in Balsam Lake

Importance: 0.20

1 species

+200% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 9 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common1 species

Common1 species

Occasional1 species

Rare0 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#6 of 9 locations

33th percentile for diversity

vs. Polk County

-97% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 3 total documented species.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Very Common3 obs.

Lithobates clamitans

Green Frog

Very Common1 obs.

Chrysemys picta

Eastern Painted Turtle

Very Common1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 3 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.