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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Summer time is swimming time. Here’s how to avoid 4 common Wisconsin lake hazards
f your dad ever told you to go jump in a lake, now is the time to do it. With Memorial Day in the rearview mirror, and Labor Day off in the horizon, the fast-moving months of June, July and August are the prime time to go to a Wisconsin beach, soak in the sun and...
Wildlife experts remove a plastic lid that was stuck on a Michigan bear’s neck for two years
HILLMAN, Mich. (AP) — Michigan wildlife experts finally were able to trap a black bear and remove a large lid that was stuck around his neck — for two years. “It’s pretty incredible that the bear survived and was able to feed itself,” state bear specialist Cody Norton...
Pollinators need your help to keep doing their important job
Some simple steps can help support pollinators in the environment. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says most of the pollinators in the state are bees, butterflies and moths. Hummingbirds and some beetles and flies also lend a hand. “Wisconsin is an...
Manure spill in Monroe County kills hundreds of fish
At least eight miles of a Southwest-Wisconsin stream were polluted by a manure spill earlier this month. The spill killed hundreds of fish, including many wild brown trout. The affected waterways — Spring Valley Creek, Moore Creek and the Kickapoo River — have long...
A Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights from Wisconsin
The aurora borealis, aka Northern Lights, is usually visible in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavian countries like Greenland. But there’s good news: The show in the sky is expected to be especially active this summer, and Wisconsin is one of a dozen US states where you...
WISCONSIN LAKES FAQ
Frequently asked questions about lakes are answered on this page. Water Levels and Drought Does drought make blue-green algae worse? Does the drought make Cladophora worse? Why are water levels on my lake lower? What causes water levels to go up and down? Are low...
