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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Another record-breaking year for Wisconsin tourism, Northwoods!
Wisconsin had its third record-breaking year for tourism with $25.8 billion in total economic impact in 2024. Many Northwoods counties also had record-breaking years again, but there are signs back-to-back recent low-snow winters are having an impact. As the Coontail...
Civilian Conservation Centers, including Blackwell Job Corps, are under review
The futures of Job Corps Centers across the U.S. are uncertain. The Department of Labor made an announcement at the end of May to pause all contractor-operated centers by June 30th. The move has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge following a lawsuit to stop...
Field Notes: Mosquitoes in the Northwoods
I love the spring. The weather warms and the snow melts. A fun time to get out in the woods with my dog, Ole. This time of year is great, until the week before Memorial Day. What happens during that week? The mosquitoes come out and they usually come out in a big way....
DNR Seeking Public Input On Great Lakes Beach Listings
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to help update Wisconsin's Beach List to keep people safe on Great Lakes beaches this summer. Each year, the DNR's beach program contacts residents, local beach managers and...
Spiny waterfleas found in Iron County lake
IRON COUNTY - An aquatic invasive species known to hurt walleye and perch survival have been found on a lake in Southern Iron County. Spiny waterfleas have been discovered in Sandy Beach Lake about 9 miles southwest of Manitowish Waters. Initial evidence was...
PROTECTING WISCONSIN LAKES FROM THE ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SAFETY THREATS OF WAKE SPORTS
The enjoyment of the water is fundamental to the Wisconsin lifestyle and the state’s growing tourism economy. Wake sports pose urgent, existential threats to Wisconsin lakes and rivers. Lakes at Stake Wisconsin is committed to standing up against the powerful water...
