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Balsam-Lake
Eden Index
Climate
6.0
•
Recreation
3.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Balsam Lake, Wisconsin is a small town located on the eastern side of the state. The town has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The lake itself is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming, and is known for its clear waters and abundance of fish. The lake is fed by several small streams and has several tributaries that flow into it, which contribute to its hydrology constituents. The town also has several parks and trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for hunting and camping in the surrounding forests. Balsam Lake is a peaceful retreat for those seeking outdoor activities and natural beauty.
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): 6.0
Balsam-Lake receives approximately
806mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 84%
and air temperatures averaging around
6°C.
Balsam-Lake 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
St. Croix
Area Rivers
St. Croix
Snowpack Depths
St. Croix
Reservoir Storage Capacity
St. Croix
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chacauqua River Access | None | 721 ft | |||
| Echo Lake | 24 | 1,275 ft | |||
| Yenruogis County Park | None | 799 ft | |||
| Lake Fisher | 6 | 840 ft | |||
| Glendale Access | None | 696 ft | |||
| Lake Keomah State Park | 65 | 810 ft | |||
| Drakesville City Park | 6 | 886 ft | |||
| Union Mills Access | None | 762 ft | |||
| Lake Wapello State Park | 80 | 803 ft | |||
| McGowen Rec Area | 12 | 857 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.