VCLRA has partnered with the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) in a Shoreland Protection Legacy  Initiative to permanently conserve extensive stretches of privately-owned natural shoreline on lakes, rivers, ponds and streams.

Why is this important?

Vilas County, with its more than 1300 lakes and 70 rivers, has one of the highest water concentrations of inland fresh water in the world. Their beauty and recreational value make them a true Wisconsin treasure.  However, the health of our environment and economy is closely linked to the vitality of our natural waters. Achieving a sustainable, vibrant North­woods community can only be achieved by preserving our precious lake and river heritage.

Permanently protecting natural shoreland is one of the best ways we can preserve the pristine quality of our beautiful natural waters for future generations.

There has been high development pressure in Vilas County for residential waterfront and vacation home ownership. Since 1960, two out of every three undeveloped lakes in northern Wisconsin has been developed according to the Wisconsin DNR. There is an urgent need to protect the land along our waters before they become over-developed and degraded.