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 — over 1300 lakes and 70 rivers and one of the highest concentrations of fresh inland water on the planet. Whether you come here to live, work or play, chances are you were drawn here by its amazing 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 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 value and 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, businesses and lake organizations to foster an informed and engaged community committed to the welfare of our lake and river heritage.
Our approach
Ways we protect Vilas County's natural waters on which our environment and economy depends.
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 high school scholarships 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.
WITH ALL THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR LAKES AND RIVERS
One of the great strengths of VCLRA is our members, and VCLRA needs your help to grow even stronger in by significantly boosting our membership! If you are a member, be sure to renew. If you, your business or your lake association is not a member, now is the time to step up! Join us. Let's work together to keep our lakes and rivers amazing.
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Vilas County passes zoning ordinance regulating tourist rooming houses
21 Nov , 2023The Vilas County Tourist Rooming House Ordinance passed with a unanimous vote last week.
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Observations from recent wakesurfing bill listening sessions
17 Nov , 2023I attended the Eagle River and Rhinelander listening sessions. I could not get into the Minocqua session. All sessions were standing room only! The session interest and attendance was impressive!
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Wakesurfing regulators host public input sessions Nov. 13
08 Nov , 2023Rep. Rob Swearingen and Sen. Mary Felzkowski, who have drafted wakesurfing legislation as reported in our earlier posts, will be hosting listening sessions on Monday, Nov. 13 to hear public input.
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UPDATE from Wisconsin Lakes on wakeboat legislation
22 Oct , 2023Wisconsin Lakes released this ACTION ALERT yesterday regarding regarding the proposed wakesport bill LRB-3518