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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Satellite imagery shows less wild rice this year in northern Wisconsin
This year’s wild rice crop in northern Wisconsin appears likely to be lower than last year. That follows a pattern seen in recent years. Crop estimates can now be done using satellite imagery. The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission says imagery suggests...
Pine cones needed to provide seed for Wisconsin tree nurseries
ou can make some extra money gathering pine cones, but they need to be the right ones. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources needs help gathering red and white pine cones for its reforestation program. "The state nurseries will pay collectors to bring in these...
Wisconsin Lakes Welcome to our new Executive Director!
Ben Wohajn appointed new Executive Director of Wisconsin Lakes Wisconsin Lakes is proud to announce the hiring of Ben Wojahn (pronounced Woah-yahn) as its next Executive Director! Ben will take over fully from current Executive Director Michael Engleson...
Climate change is giving ticks and mosquitoes more chances to spread disease
Certain species of ticks and mosquitoes can carry various diseases. In Wisconsin, Lyme disease is becoming more common with nearly 6,500 cases reported last year, with many cases reported in the Northwoods. The state sees spikes of illnesses from Powassan and West...
Deer hunter discovers rare subtropical wood stork in the wilds of Wisconsin
By Associated Press August 16, 2025 MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A very rare and apparently very confused subtropical wood stork somehow found its way to the wilds of Wisconsin. A hunter scouting for deer first sighted the bird Sunday in a remote section of the Mud Lake...
Surprising stories behind 6 Wisconsin shipwrecks
By Cassidy Grubusic Did you know there are more than 700 known shipwrecks in the Wisconsin Great Lakes? And while some are beginning to disappear, many are remarkably well-preserved due to the fresh, frigid lake waters. Every year, people from all over the...
