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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Field Notes: Horseshoe crabs and health care
By the time this airs, I will be the proud owner of a new hip. And although this might seem rather random, it brings me to this month’s Field Notes about horseshoe crabs and red knots. I grew up on the east coast with frequent trips to Cape Cod where horseshoe crabs...
Partnerships help Iron County take on trout habitat restoration
As dwindling brook trout populations are a concern across Wisconsin, conservation efforts in Iron County are increasing viable habitats for the native species. Fish population spikes are being observed at Kaari Creek and the Tyler Forks River after major culvert...
Swimming drone explores underwater mountain in Lake Superior
Known to some as the “Freshwater Everest,” if you want to explore this mountain, you don’t go up, you go down. In the middle of Lake Superior, near the boundary between Canadian and US waters, sits the Superior Shoal, a mountain that’s completely underwater. The shoal...
Wearing life jackets grows in importance as waters cool in the fall
As we get deeper into fall, water temperatures will be going down on area lakes. The DNR says that makes it especially important to take extra precautions like wearing a life jacket. They say hypothermia can impair your ability to swim or stay afloat. “Life jackets...
Science on Tap: The significance of deer mice
When you think of all the species of wildlife that call the Northwoods home, deer mice probably aren’t what first comes to mind. But a local researcher says they’re essential. The Northwoods is home to two species of deer mice—the North American and White Footed. Dr....
Seasonal protection against Lyme disease on the horizon
A new treatment is being developed for seasonal protection of Lyme disease, which is on the rise in Wisconsin. Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Seth Lederman, CEO of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, the company licensing the...
