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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Report finds lakes aren’t shielded from microplastics
When measuring public health threats, researchers say microplastics have jumped to the top of the list. New samples from a citizen science effort in Minnesota show these tiny particles are present in dozens of waterways. The advocacy group Environment Minnesota, part...
Tribe, state, and county celebrate Highway 8 safety improvements in Forest County
In a four-year span, there were 109 car crashes on Highway 8 between Crandon and Laona, according to a highway study. While none of those crashes between 2005 and 2009 were fatal, about a third of them did result in injuries. “We've had a lot of close calls,” said...
Gov. Evers signs Executive Order creating Wild Rice Stewardship Council
Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday to preserve cultural resources and languages of Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations. Evers said the order is meant reaffirm the state’s commitment to respecting Tribal Sovereignty and fostering strong...
Wild Instincts releases rescued bear cubs back to the wild
Five young bears now roam the wilds of northern Wisconsin, thanks to the help of a wildlife rehabilitation center north of Rhinelander. Wild Instincts posted video of the five cubs being released over the weekend. They’ve been raised over the last few months by the...
Wisconsin’s first Rustic Road turns 50
50 years ago, the first Rustic Road in Wisconsin received its formal designation. Now, the program is up to 126 roads spanning hundreds of miles across the state. Katie Thoresen / WXPR Sam Osborn has travelled every mile of designated Rustic Road in Wisconsin behind...
Get your firewood close to where you burn it to prevent the spread of invasive species
Warming up by a campfire can be a great way to spend a fall evening, but the DNR hopes you’ll get your firewood close to where you burn it. Moving firewood can give a ride to invasive species, spreading them to new areas. When untreated firewood is transported away...
