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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The US and Canada have long managed the Great Lakes together
"This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here." This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist, Interlochen Public Radio in Northern Michigan, and WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago...
Communities in the Northwoods to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day
On April 12, an estimated 15 million birds crossed the state Wisconsin. It was one of the busiest nights of the spring migration so far, according to BirdCast, a website that tracks migration. Some of those birds are just passing through, while others are here...
All Things Outdoors: Fall boating
By Katie Thoresen, WXPR - Published November 11, 2024 Many people are getting out on the water before the ice sets in. WXPR's Katie Thoresen talks with Wisconsin DNR Conservation Warden Austin Babich about safety concerns this time of year. LISTEN ON WXPR.ORG...
Field Notes: Bountiful Blooms in our Water Bodies
By Gretchen Gerrish - Published October 11, 2024 This summer, plant and algal blooms in northern Wisconsin lakes have been a hot topic of discussion. At UW Trout Lake Station, we have received reports of surface-covering purple bladderwort, heard stories of bright...
Field Notes: The Fish of Vilas County
By Lonnie Parry Gillis, WXPR - Published December 10, 2024 Hi my name is Lonnie Parry, I am a Masters Student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison studying fisheries science. Today, I am going to guide us on an exploration of the fish of Vilas County, Wisconsin—an...
Documentary brings Wisconsin tribe’s pipeline resistance to national stage
By Judith Ruiz-Branch/Wisconsin News Connection via WXPR Patty Loew attended five screenings of a new film this year. She wasn't joining box office masses at Wicked or Inside Out 2, but Bad River: A Story of Defiance. The independent documentary, directed by Mary...
