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
Join online or by mail.
Our Environment
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
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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Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa Community Awards Grant to FCAL
On January 20, 2026, the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa awarded a $1000 grant to the Forest County Association of Lakes (FCAL) to use toward supporting its mission of promoting education of and protection of Forest County waters and environs. FCAL supports its mission...
Lake Ripples: Timely updates about Wisconsin’s lakes
In this issue... Winter Salt Week | Bald Eagles | Phenology Fun Fact | Program Updates | Upcoming Events Winter Salt Week Addresses A Forever Pollutant Photo by Amy Kowalski After Road Salt Melts Snow, It Degrades Freshwater Winter Salt Week - January 26-30, 2026...
Snowmobile trails opening
UPDATE: 12/30/25 Forest County Snowmobile Trails SNOWMOBILE TRAILS: Open The trails are in good conditions but as always watch your speed and stay to the right. Clubs have all been out grooming and removing branches that may have fallen with the recent...
8 things to add to your Northwoods winter bucket list
After back-to-back low snow years, things are looking up this year. Snow is on the ground, snowmobilers were hitting the trails before Christmas, and ice is building on the lakes. Need some help finding things to do during the snowy months? We’ve got some ideas. Take...
Avoid overloading your outlets and your power bill this Holiday season!
Wisconsin Public Service has some tips to keep your holiday lighting display from overloading your outlets, and your power bill. For strings of lights, make the move to LED strands, which use a lot less power compared to old, incandescent lights.Inspect your existing...
Wisconsin First Ice
When the first bitter cold of December sweeps across Wisconsin, a familiar ritual begins. Lakes glaze over with a thin, glassy sheet, and anglers itching for the season to begin start eyeing their gear. Early ice is a cherished tradition here, but it’s about the...
