Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association
Working to Keep Our Lakes and Rivers Amazing
Our Vision and Mission
Vilas County in Wisconsin’s northwoods is a special place — with over 1300 lakes and 70 rivers, nature has blessed it with one of the highest concentrations of fresh inland water on the planet. Whether you come to the northwoods to live, work or play, chances are you were drawn to Vilas County by its beautiful lakes and rivers. They inspire and connect us – and drive our Vilas County economy!
In fact, the health of our environment and economy depends on the vitality of our natural waters. Achieving a sustainable, vibrant northwoods community requires working together to preserve our precious lake and river heritage. That’s what drives our vision of a future where our natural waters are protected and cherished for the high quality of life they provide.
Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) was formed nearly 30 years ago with the mission to sustainably preserve, protect, and enhance our lakes and rivers for the benefit of all. We accomplish our mission by working with partner and supporting member families and lake organizations to foster informed and engaged communities committed to the welfare of our lake and river heritage.
Our approach
Advocacy
VCLRA works with our partners and supporting member families and lake organizations to advocate for sensible, science-informed policy to protect our natural waters and shorelands. We engage in DNR and town hearings, develop position letters to policy makers, have a presence in key committee meetings and events, and sponsor or co-sponsor scientific research studies that support sound policy.
Education
VCLRA exhibits at local fairs/fests, holds workshop events, distributes two print newsletters annually, maintains a year-round website presence, and offers a speaker's bureau service. Our Blue Heron Stewardship Award raises awareness and showcases excellence in lake-friendly waterfront development. We also developed a shoreland class for middle schools and award a high school scholarship annually.
Conservation
We assist in the formation of lake associations and districts — the first line of defense for protecting our natural waters — and provide them with support, including training and access to lake and river monitoring equipment. We also develop programs for shoreland and waterways conservation, and sponsor or co-sponsor worthy projects and scientific research studies that support these efforts.
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2023 6-county lakes & rivers conference
01 Jun , 2023This year’s 6-county lakes & rivers meeting will take place on July 14th and include updates on Wisconsin legislation, invasives and other issues of interest to our lake community, plus highlight the role of law enforcement on maintaining the health and enjoyment of our Northwoods lakes and rivers.
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Shoreland Owner Workshop
28 Apr , 2023If you own lake or river shoreland property and would like to learn about best practices and programs to protect water quality and habitat, as well as permanent conservation options through NWLT, please join us on Monday, June 26 at 10 am at the Northwoods Center in Eagle River.
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WCC Spring Hearing accepting input on regulating wake surfing
06 Apr , 2023VCLRA is again requesting your input to the 2023 Wisconsin Conservation Congress Annual Spring Hearing on REGULATING WAKE SURFING ON WISCONSIN LAKES AND RIVERS. Input can be provided online from noon April 10 to noon April 13.
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WITH ALL THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR LAKES AND WATERWAYS

