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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Why Do Bucks Shed Their Antlers
Every winter, something remarkable happens in the deer world: male bucks drop their antlers. To the casual observer, this might seem strange that an animal would give up such an impressive and seemingly useful weapon. Yet, antler shedding is not a sign of weakness;...
Chronic Wasting Disease threatens U.S. Deer. But when one state took strong measures, the pushback was fierce.
olumbia, Mo. — The pick-up trucks pulled into the parking lot every 10 minutes or so. One after another, drivers rolled down their windows and staff greeted them like restaurant workers taking drive-thru orders. But these weren’t customers at any of the fast-food...
Oneida County creates lakes classification system with emphasis on protecting high quality watersheds
akes in the region face a lot of threats. Public access, shoreline development, enhanced wakes, and aquatic invasive species are all key risk factors identified by the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department. Special Projects Coordinator JoAnne Lund says,...
Why is a 30 foot depth needed for enhanced wakes?
This is a continuation of a series of emails and blogs explaining why Wisconsin Lakes supports the Coalition’s position on reasonable regulation of enhanced wake recreation: 700 feet from shore (HERE), 30 feet of depth, maintaining local control (HERE), and preventing...
Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa Community Awards Grant to FCAL
On January 20, 2026, the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa awarded a $1000 grant to the Forest County Association of Lakes (FCAL) to use toward supporting its mission of promoting education of and protection of Forest County waters and environs. FCAL supports its mission...
Lake Ripples: Timely updates about Wisconsin’s lakes
In this issue... Winter Salt Week | Bald Eagles | Phenology Fun Fact | Program Updates | Upcoming Events Winter Salt Week Addresses A Forever Pollutant Photo by Amy Kowalski After Road Salt Melts Snow, It Degrades Freshwater Winter Salt Week - January 26-30, 2026...
