Lands_Content Page_Balsam Branch Wildlife Area

Balsam Branch Wildlife Area

Balsam Branch Wildlife Area wooden sign in a grass field

 

Balsam Branch Wildlife Area is a 180-acre parcel in Polk County. It features a 20-acre lake surrounded by extensive cattail, sedge and other wetland vegetation. The lake's outlet ties into the Balsam Branch and eventually leads to Lake Wapogasset. The uplands of the property are mostly forested but also contain an 8-acre prairie and scattered oak savannas. The property features two walk-in boat access points from the North and South parking lots. 

Find the property by following Highway 8 east of St. Croix Falls for 5.5 miles. Turn south on Highway 65 and go 1.5 miles. Turn east on 115th Avenue and go one mile. Turn south on 150th Street and go 1/2 mile to parking area. There is also a parking area on the south end of the property from Highway C.

Management Objectives

The property was donated to the state of Wisconsin in 1967 by the American Game Association of New York. The project was developed to protect a very nice, small, unnamed lake and to provide wildlife habitat for hunting and enjoyment in Polk County. A plaque recognizing this donation is attached to a large rock on the south end of the parking lot, on the north end of the property.

Management actions benefit turkey, waterfowl and deer, but pheasant and other wildlife are also found on the property. Past management includes native prairie plantings and brush management. The property is regularly maintained for invasive species. Today, prescribed burns and mowing are used to maintain the grass prairie.

Recreation

Balsam Branch Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding
  • Boating (motorized and non-motorized, walk-in access only)
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting (noted for deer, pheasant and turkey)
  • Trapping
  • Snowmobiling trail
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Amenities

  • Bathroom - none.
  • Parking lot - There is one parking area on Hwy C and one on 150th Street.
  • Campground and size - none.
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - none.

Maps

Download a map of this property.

If you want to explore this property further, you can access an interactive map.

Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area

 

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.