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.

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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Green Bay collaborations help restore wildlife, wetlands

Green Bay collaborations help restore wildlife, wetlands

An effort to restore Northern pike habitat in Green Bay is also benefiting other wildlife species and raising local awareness about the effects of climate change. The primary goal of the multicounty collaboration was to create fish passage openings by building...

2025 Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival

2025 Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival

Event Details Paddles Up! The Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival is a fun, free, family event that has entertained thousands since it started in 2016. Over 152 teams have paddled from across 13 states and Canada. This excitement and energy have also had an immense impact...

Rhinelander’s Boom Lake Boat Races

Rhinelander’s Boom Lake Boat Races

There was a time when Boom Lake in Rhinelander wasn’t just a quiet, scenic waterway, it was a Northwoods’ racetrack. As Rhinelander’s sawmilling era declined, and the old log booms that gave the lake it's name were removed, Boom Lake gradually transformed from an...

Wisconsin group empowers women to restore prairies, pollinators

Wisconsin group empowers women to restore prairies, pollinators

June is National Pollinator Month and a local agricultural group which aims to empower women in conservation is bringing awareness to how prairie restoration can aid the declining population of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Through its Wisconsin Women in...