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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Happy Holidays!
23 Dec , 2022Dear Friends and Colleagues, As we bring 2022 to a close, I am deeply grateful for the work we’ve accomplished together to protect the beautiful lakes and waterways of Vilas County. The last couple of years have brought new challenges that impact our wonderful lake and river heritage. Your commitment and support have been crucial
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Wake Boats a hot topic at Wisconsin NRB
22 Dec , 2022Last week, the Wisconsin Natural Resource Board met to examine the issues surrounding wake boats to look at actions, including new laws, to address the issues.
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2022 Vilas County Lakes Conservation Partners Meeting
22 Oct , 2022Join other local lake organizations, professionals, and volunteers next week on Friday Oct 28 from 9:30-Noon at the Boulder Junction Community Center for the annual Vilas County Lake Conservation Partners Meeting. Each year Vilas County Land & Water facilitates this networking and planning meeting centered around lake conservation work. Hear what neighboring groups are working


VCLRA is a 501c3 non-profit lake conservation and education organization. All of our work is funded by generous donations, public grants and support from our member families and lake organizations. Join us. Let's work together to keep our lakes and rivers amazing.
