about FCAL

The Forest County Association of Lakes (FCAL) is a cooperative effort between each of the lake associations in Forest County, Wisconsin to protect our inland water bodies, environs, and watershed. As a team, we facilitate research and sharing between organizations, governmental bodies, and the general public and work together to preserve the aesthetic beauty, water quality, wildlife habitats, and fisheries within Forest County.

Join FCAL

Become a member of FCAL today, and help us preserve Forest County waters, habitats, and fisheries!

Join online or by mail.

Become a Member Today

Our Environment

Invasive Species in Forest County – Learn about recognizing aquatic invasive species and what can be done to help.
Conservation Corner – A weekly article produced by the Forest County Land & Water Conservation Department.
Wake Boat & Wake Surfing Updates – See resources regarding the current controversy around wake boats & wake surfing.

Forest County Courtesy Code

  • Be Kind to Wildlife, Your Neighbors, & Your Lake
  • Watercraft Safety – OBEY THE LAWS, REGULATIONS, & RULES
  • Clean Boats/Clean Waters – OBEY THE LAWS, REGULATIONS, & RULES

Read the full list

REPORT INVASIVE SPECIES VIOLATIONS TO THE DNR’S TIP LINE
1-800-847-9367

OTHER VIOLATIONS CAN BE REPORTED TO Austin Babich WDNR WARDEN
608-896-5217  or ">

Or FOREST COUNTY SHERIFF
715-478-3331

WDNR Tip Line
800-847-9367

Forest County Sheriff’s Recreation Officer–Chad Mullis
715-478-3331

RECYCLING MONOFILAMENT FISHING LINE

If left out in the environment, monofilament fishing line can tangle or be ingested by wildlife, endanger swimmers or become wrapped around boat propellers. It can last up to 600 years in freshwater, meaning it poses a threat for a long time. Removing discarded fishing line from the environment is a great first step. Recycling gives it new life.

How to recycle old fishing line

Monofilament fishing line is the line anglers most commonly use: single-strand, high-density nylon. Recyclers that specialize in fishing line melt it down into plastic pellets, which are then recycled into products such as tackle boxes, spools for fishing line, toys and fish habitat structures.

Look for collection bins specifically designed for fishing line at boat launches or similar locations. Line may also be mailed directly to:

Berkley Recycling
1900 18th Street
Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360

Never put fishing line in regular recycling bins as it can cause major issues at recycling facilities designed to handle cans, bottles, paper and cardboard.

Forest County Association of Lakes are building monofilament fish line containers. We are donating them to Forest County lake associations that are members of FCAL for their boat landings. They have been installed on Camp Six Lake, Lily Lake, Little Long Lake, Pine Lake, Pickerel Lake, Roberts Lake, Lake Lucerne, Silver Lake and Lake Metonga.  Anyone who is interested in obtaining a container can contact us through this website by filling out the contact us form or  purchase one.

News & Events 

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Wisconsin DNR asks hunters to report any bear dens they find

Wisconsin DNR asks hunters to report any bear dens they find

Nov 20, 2025 |

The Wisconsin DNR is asking hunters to keep an eye out for bear dens. Den reports from the public are critical for an ongoing study on black bear reproduction that will contribute to new population estimates within each of the state’s bear management zones and inform...

Deer donations can help feed recovering wildlife

Deer donations can help feed recovering wildlife

Nov 20, 2025 |

t takes a lot to feed the roughly 1,300 animals Wild Instincts treats and cares for each year. The Rhinelander non-profit depends entirely on donations for its work. “In a normal year, we probably go through between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of venison. Between foxes,...

Wisconsin Lakes Annual Meeting 12-9-25

Wisconsin Lakes Annual Meeting 12-9-25

Nov 8, 2025 |

Dear Friend of the Lakes, Our Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday December 9th, 2025 from 4:30 until 6:30. A follow-up email with the link and agenda will be coming soon!   Join or donate today! As a supporter of Wisconsin Lakes, you know that the organization...