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.

Become a Member Today

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 

To view the whole article tap or click on the picture

 

MGLP Lake Conservation Grant

MGLP Lake Conservation Grant

Sep 20, 2024 |

The MGLP is one of twenty partnerships that span the nation under the umbrella of the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). The MGLP area of focus is glacial lakes and their watersheds (see figure). Nine Midwestern states, numerous federal agencies, tribal...

DNR Accepting Pre-Applications For 2025 Surface Water Grants

DNR Accepting Pre-Applications For 2025 Surface Water Grants

Sep 2, 2024 |

Funds Will Help Protect And Improve Surface Water MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it will award more than $6 million to local groups to protect and improve surface water. Interested and eligible organizations are...